Aim:

The studies in neonates suggest that C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) can be used as a reliable marker for both diagnosis and follow-up of neonatal sepsis. However, their serum levels may also increase in some conditions without infection. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effects of fetal distress, postnatal physiological factors and sepsis on serum levels of CRP and PCT.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 88 infants were included in this study. Before initiating therapy, blood samples for whole blood count, CRP, PCT and culture were obtained from all neonates (T0). This procedure was repeated two times at 72 h (T3) and day 7 (T7).

Results:

The group that included infants with clinical and laboratory findings of sepsis considered as a sepsis group (Group 1) and the groups with and without fetal distress were combined as a control group (Group 2+Group 3), so CRP and PCT were evaluated in terms of the sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity and specificity at T0 were found to be 82%, 86% for CRP and 64%, 49% for PCT, respectively. Additionally, when the healthy term infants without fetal distress were considered as a control group; the sensitivity and specificity at T0 were found to be 82%, 93% for CRP and 71%, 47% for PCT, respectively.

Conclusion:

Consequently, we found that PCT and CRP levels are affected by fetal distress as well as physiological increase after birth. However, we found that their effects was greater on the PCT levels.

Keywords: Neonatal, Sepsis, C-reactive protein, Procalcitonin