Values of PCT in neonates

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neonatal Medicine
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Procalcitonin (PCT) is a calcitonin precursor produced in thyroid C cells.
• Microbial toxins and inflammatory mediators can trigger PCT release.
• PCT serves as a crucial biomarker for infection diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze Procalcitonin (PCT) values in newborns at risk for infection.
• To establish reference PCT levels for neonatal infection assessment.
• To evaluate the reliability of PCT as an infection index in neonates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1356 PCT values from 224 at-risk newborns in 2019.
• Selected PCT values obtained within 24 hours of blood culture sampling.
• Compared PCT levels between newborns with positive and negative blood cultures.

Main Results:

• Newborns with positive blood cultures showed significantly higher PCT levels (17.061 ng/mL) than those with negative cultures (4.6 ng/mL).
• No significant difference in PCT was observed between preterm and term infants with negative blood cultures.
• Established distinct PCT values for non-infective neonates.

Conclusions:

• Procalcitonin (PCT) is a reliable indicator of infection in newborns.
• Neonatal PCT reference ranges differ from those in older children and adults.
• This study provides valuable PCT data for diagnosing infections in neonates.