CompletedNot Applicable

Validation of Procalcitonin as a Biomarker Diagnosing CDI

200 participantsStarted 2011-12-01

Plain-language summary

Cardiac device infections (CDI), especially pocket infections, are difficult to be diagnosed. Device pocket infections are not associated with elevated white blood cell count. CRP is only assoziated with a low sensitivity. The diagnosis of a local pocket infection is challenging and relies primarily on the clinical presentation. The prospective DIRT study identified procalcitonin (PCT) among 14 biomarkers as the most promising biomarker to aid the diagnosis of pocket infection. The study aims to validate the proposed PCT cut-off value of 0.05 ng/ml for the diagnosis of pocket infection

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: • device associated infections Exclusion Criteria: * malignancy * cytostatic or immunomodulating therapy

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

diagnostic value of PCT

Timeframe: pre-intervention/procedure/surgery. i.e. at the time of CIED explantation. Measurement of PCT as an biomarker revealing the acute infection (like a sepsis marker)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05007158

SponsorDeutsches Herzzentrum Muenchen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2021-10-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections trials