Implications of Procalcitonin as a Prognostic Marker in Neonatal Sepsis

Background: Though there are several methods present for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis, however, till date, search for definite prognostic marker for monitoring treatment outcome is still on. Objective: Aim of the present study is to detect a prognostic marker for neonatal sepsis. Material and methods: The present study was conducted on neonates admitted to pediatric ward of Desun Hospital and IPGME& R, Kolkata for a period of six months from January to July, 2014. Before and after administration of antibiotic course blood samples were collected and hematological parameters (MicroESR, total WBC count) were investigated. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C reactive protein (CRP) were also estimated by immunoassay kits as per manufactures protocol. Antibiotic sensitivity and blood culture for isolation of microorganisms were also performed. Results were expressed as mean SEM and analysis was done by SPSS version 12. Results: Out of 54 neonates, 40.7 % have shown criteria of proven sepsis, 27.7 % suspected sepsis and 31.4 % clinical sepsis.15 out of 22 neonates with proven sepsis have been reported with strongly positive serum PCT values. However, after 5 days antibiotic treatment, more than 60 % neonates have shown reduced PCT levels while no change in serum CRP and micro ESR were detected. Conclusions: Though procalcitonin has been well reported as a diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis, it is however not well established as a prognostic marker. In the present study, we have reported serum PCT as a good prognostic marker for newborn sepsis. However, these results should be further validated with a large sample size.