value of estimation of procalcitonin and complement levels in neonatal sepsis

Neonatal sepsis is a serious problem with high morbidity and mortality. Serum Procalcitonin, C[3] and C[4] levels were estimated in 30 neonates suffering from neonatal sepsis. Further investigations were done including: Complete blood picture, blood culture, CRP, ESR, CSF examination and chest X-ray. Eighteen matched healthy neonates were included as a control group. Serum procalcitonin level was significantly elevated in neonates suffering from septicemia [p<0. 001] and its level was significantly related to the severely affected cases suffering from meningitis, [p<0. 05] and those with poor outcome [P<0.01]. The mean levels of C[3] and C[4] in the study group were lower than controls but these differences were not statistically significant [P>0.05]. Also, there was no significant relationship between the level of C[3] and C[4] and severity of the cases or outcome. We can conclude that procalcitonin can be considered as an interesting diagnostic and prognostic marker of neonatal sepsis