Diagnostic Value of Serum Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein Levels in Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid and early diagnosis in neonatal sepsis is of great importance in reducing morbidity and mortality. An increase in acute phase reactants before the causative agent is shown in the hemoculture supports the diagnosis. Monitoring of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels is used for this purpose in clinical applications. In recent years, the use of procalcitonin (PCT) in neonatal sepsis has come to the fore. PCT increase occurs earlier than CRP. In this study, we aimed to compare CRP and PCT levels in the diagnosis and follow-up of neonatal sepsis. Methods: The study was carried out with 40 patients hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the diagnosis of sepsis and 40 control subjects. Results: Pre-treatment PCT and CRP values of the study group were significantly higher than the control group (p