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Evaluating Uncommon Inflammatory Markers in Common Pediatric Bacterial Infections.
Christina M McKinney1, Michelle L Mitchell2, Erin Preloger3
1Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, christina.mckinney@cchmc.org.
Summary
Normal troponin levels in children with common bacterial infections can help differentiate them from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This study provides key inflammatory marker data during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic obscured inflammatory marker ranges in children.
- Distinguishing common infections from MIS-C was challenging.
- Need for defined inflammatory marker values in pediatric infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate less common inflammatory markers in children with common bacterial infections.
- Establish reference ranges during the pandemic.
- Aid in differentiating infections from MIS-C.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study (March 2018-April 2023).
- Inclusion: Hospitalized children (>60 days to 21 years) with cellulitis, pneumonia, or UTI.
- Analysis of inflammatory markers and troponin levels.
Main Results:
- 973 pediatric patients included (median age 5.6 years).
- Most inflammatory markers were elevated across infection types.
- Troponin levels remained within normal reference ranges for all diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Reported values for less common inflammatory markers in pediatric bacterial infections.
- Normal troponin may help distinguish bacterial infections from MIS-C.
- Further research needed for clinically useful cutoff values for emerging diseases.
