Can procalcitonin measurement help in differentiating between bacterial infection and other kinds of inflammatory processes?
PCT levels only rose significantly during bacterial infections. In this study PCT levels>1.2 ng/ml were always evidence of bacterial infection and the cue for starting antibiotic treatment.
In rabbits, intraglandular injection of BTX-A resulted in decreased tear production at 1 week. No additional reduction in tear production was seen with a BTX-A dose greater than 1.25 U, suggesting glandular receptor saturation at this dose. Despite suppression of tear production, no corneal pathologic factors were observed. Further studies are needed to refine this animal model with the ultimate goal of determining optimum delivery route and concentration to reduction in tear production while minimizing side effects in patients.