Procalcitonin and hs-CRP in Neonatal Sepsis: Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Neonatal sepsis continues to cause substantial mortality and morbidity among newborns worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis is essential to improve treatment outcomes. This study examined 101 neonates who showed signs of sepsis while receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Procalcitonin was measured using a fluorescence immunoassay, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was assessed using an immunoturbidimetric method. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Procalcitonin (PCT) levels increased rapidly and significantly in neonates with suspected sepsis compared to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein high-sensitivity C-reactive proteinlevels. The diagnostic potential of Procalcitonin was supported by its superior sensitivity and specificity. Procalcitonin demonstrated better diagnostic performance than high-sensitivity C-reactive proteinin the detection of neonatal sepsis. Incorporating procalcitonin and high-sensitivity C-reactive proteintesting into clinical evaluation procedures may assist healthcare providers in the early identification and treatment of sepsis in neonates.