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Increased procalcitonin level is a risk factor for prolonged fever in children with Mycoplasma pneumonia

Ji Eun Jeong1, Ji Eun Soh1, Ji Hee Kwak1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Korean Journal of Pediatrics
|August 23, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on admission can predict prolonged fever and hospital stays in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Higher PCT levels indicate a greater risk for these outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) presents challenges with prolonged fever and disease progression.
  • Limited research exists on serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in pediatric MPP cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between acute inflammation markers, including PCT, and clinical parameters in children diagnosed with MPP.
  • To identify predictors of prolonged fever and hospitalization in pediatric MPP.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 147 children diagnosed with MPP was studied.
  • Serum levels of PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and white blood cell (WBC) counts were analyzed.
  • Multivariate logistic regression assessed the relationship between PCT levels and prolonged fever/hospital stay.

Main Results:

  • Elevated serum PCT and CRP levels correlated with longer fever duration and hospital stays.
  • Higher CRP levels were observed in segmental/lobar pneumonia compared to bronchopneumonia.
  • The highest quintile of PCT levels significantly increased the risk of prolonged fever and/or hospitalization.

Conclusions:

  • Serum PCT and CRP levels at admission are valuable indicators of persistent fever and extended hospitalization in pediatric MPP.
  • These inflammatory markers can aid in predicting disease severity and duration in children with MPP.
Keywords:
ChildDrug resistancePneumoniaProcalcitoninMycoplasma pneumoniae

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