Procalcitonin as a Marker of Neonatal Sepsis

Objective: Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and appropriate treatment decreases the mortality and morbidity of these infants. The aim of this study was to assess the role of procalcitonin (PCT) as a marker in the early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of neonatal sepsis. Methods: Thirty-eight neonates with clinical (n=8), suspected (n=19) and proven sepsis (n=11) were evaluated. The PCT levels were measured by immunoluminoassay before and on day 5 of treatment. PTC levels of 0.5-2 ng/ml, 2.1-10 ng/ml and > 10 ng/ml were considered, as weakly positive, positive, and strongly positive, respectively. The sepsis screen tests and cultures of blood or other sterile body fluids in these three groups of infants were recorded. Findings: The levels of PCT in proven sepsis group were higher than that in other groups. Strongly positive PTC level was seen in none of 8 cases of clinical sepsis, 4 of 19 suspected and in 10 of 11 cases with proven sepsis. PCT levels were dramatically decreased in three groups on day 5 of treatment. Conclusion: The results show that the serum, procalcitonin levels seem to be significantly increased in proven sepsis and decrease dramatically in all types of sepsis after appropriate treatment.