Role of Procalcitonin in Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Usharani Thota; N; Srinivasa Suresh; Nanu som

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2016

Role of Procalcitonin in Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Usharani Thota, N, Srinivasa Suresh, Nanu Som

Abstract :

 Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Lack of reliable diagnostic tests is a major obstacle in reducing sepsis related mortality and morbidity. Elevated serum Procalcitonin appears to have a better diagnostic accuracy compared to CRP. In this study, we propose to evaluate the efficacy of PCT in the early diagnosis of sepsis in comparison to that of CRP. Setting: Neonatal intensive care unit at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India Subjects and methods: This is a prospective study involving neonates admitted for suspected sepsis and those who were admitted for noninfective conditions and later developed clinical features of sepsis. Blood samples from all the neonates were drawn before administering antibiotics and estimation of serum levels of CRP, PCT, blood culture and antibiotic sensitivity and other necessary investigations were carried out. Results: Reports from 85 samples drawn from the 85 recruited neonates were analysed. Blood cultures were positive in 29 cases, PCT was positive in 38 and CRP was positive in 31 cases. Correlation of positive CRP and PCT with positive blood cultures was assessed. Conclusion: This study establishes the usefulness of PCT in predicting sepsis early in the course of illness and earlier than CRP. Including PCT in the sepsis work up will enhance the accuracy of diagnosis of sepsis.