Procalcitonin: an early marker of neonatal sepsis after premature rupture of membranes

ABSTRACT

In order to assess the predictive value of procalcitonin [PCT] in the early diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis following premature rupture of membranes [PROM], cord blood procalcitonin [PCT] was evaluated by radioimmunoassay in addition to complete blood count, C- reactive protein [CRP] and blood cultures in 80 newborn infants following PROM of >/24 hours and in 20 healthy comparable controls. Then, a clinical follow up of all cases was done during the neonatal period for the diagnosis of any manifestations and outcomes of infection. A highly significant mean cord blood level of PCT was detected in PROM group compared with the controls. PCT levels were positively correlated with the hematologic score for sepsis and with CRP levels. Moreover, newborns with proven infection [positive blood cultures] showed a significant higher mean PCT level than those with negative cultures and the level was markedly increased in non- survivors compared with the survivors indicating its value as both diagnostic and prognostic test. Higher sensitivity [100%] and specificity [75%] of PCT to sepsis were noted when compared with other indicators of infection; namely, hematologic score and CRP