CRP and infection: Model 3, with PCT level >4.15 ng/ml and CRP level > 22.03 mg/l and WBC count >15.3 × 103/μl demonstrated the best predictive value for infection, with a hazard ratio 9.66 times higher (95 % CI: 2.94–31.72) than PCT >4.15 ng/ml (A) (p < 0.05) and 4.99 times higher (95 % CI: 1.44–17.27) than PCT > 4.15 ng/ml and CRP >22.03 mg/l (B) (p < 0.05).