3.2.2  Inflammatory biomarkers examination
Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration appeared in 57.40% (1494/2603) patients, procalcitonin (PCT) increased in 12.20% (256/2099) patients, and 39.26% (117/298) patients had an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Moreover, higher levels of CRP (3.04-fold; 60.91 vs 19.83 mg/l; P < 0.01), PCT (2.00-fold; 0.14vs 0.07 ng/ml; P < 0.01) and ESR (1.44-fold; 40.54 vs 28.16 mm/60 min; P = 0.096) were observed in severe patients in comparison with non-severe patients.