NPPB and Increased total leukocyte count: At the time of acute clinical change and transfer, the laboratory studies were notable for a leukocytosis of 22.5 × 109/L, elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 225 pg/ml, procalcitonin of 0.117 ng/ml, sedimentation rate of 122 mm/h, and C-reactive protein of 163 mg/L.