Procalcitonin versus C-Reactive Protein in Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Objectives: To compare between C-reactive protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT) regarding diagnosis and outcome of neonatal sepsis. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Participants: Seventy newborn Infants admitted to NICU for sepsis management. Results: Of the total 70 Neonates admitted in NICU, 31.4%, 42.9% and 25.7% were categorized as proven sepsis, suspected sepsis and clinical sepsis respectively. Procalcitonin was positive in 100% compared to the CRP positivity in 63.6% of the proven sepsis cases. Mortality rate is significantly increased in proven sepsis compared to clinical sepsis. Intervention: Sepsis workup laboratory tests. Main Outcome Measures: Specific diagnostic and prognostic impact of the tests. Conclusion: Comparing with CRP, PCT is not only a good diagnostic measure of neonatal sepsis but also effective predictor of sepsis outcome.