IL-7 and procalcitonin are useful biomarkers in the comprehensive evaluation of the severity of acute cholangitis

Background The incidence of biliary tract infection ( BTI), especially healthcare- associated cholangitis, is increasing. However, there are few reports concerning biomarkers of acute cholangitis. We therefore performed an exhaustive investigation of several biomarkers. Methods We retrospectively measured 11 cytokines, six chemokines and procalcitonin ( PCT), and endotoxin activity assay ( EAA) values ( IRB: 110512019) of 61 samples with acute cholangitis. Result The 28- day mortality rate was 9.8%. The levels of most cytokines and chemokines were significantly correlated with each other. A low IL- 7 level was found to predict blood culture positivity. Low IL- 7 level was also found to predict disseminated intravascular coagulation. Low IL- 7 levels and a high PCT level were found to be predictors of severe cholangitis. The 28- day mortality in the group of patients with an IL- 7 level of <= 6.0 and a PCT level of > 0.5 was 18.2%. It was significantly higher than in the other group. Conclusion The combined use of IL- 7 and PCT may be useful for evaluating severe acute cholangitis; these results