Procalcitonin in Cord Blood: Evaluating Reference Ranges in Healthy Newborns >32 Weeks Gestation

This study was to determine the concentration of procalcitonin (PCT) in umbilical cord blood (UCB) in healthy newborns more than 32 weeks gestational age. A total of 82 newborns were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. UCB was collected and measured for PCT levels immediately after birth. As results, the mean gestational age and birth weight was 37.55 ± 2.33 weeks, 2891.46 ± 555.82 g, respectively. The median concentration of PCT in UCB in healthy newborns was 0.097 (IQR, 0.082-0.134) ng/ml. The concentration of PCT in UCB did not differ in gestational age, gender, method of delivery, birth weight, or risk factors for prolonged rupture of membranes and maternal fever at birth. This study establishes a reference range for PCT levels in UCB in healthy neonates more than 32 weeks gestation. This baseline data can support interpreting PCT levels and improve the early diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis, and help minimize unnecessary antibiotic use in newborns.