Evaluation of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein as an Early Marker for the Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Aims: The study aims to assess and compare the sensitivity and specificity of Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive proteins (CRP) in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Study Design: A prospective multi-centric cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of the 3 selected Lagos State hospitals, namely Gbagada General Hospital, Massey Street Children Hospital, and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos State, from January 2023 to January 2024. Methodology: A total of 300 neonates were recruited into this study. Blood samples were obtained before initiation of antibiotics. Blood samples of 300 neonates were analyzed for C-reactive proteins (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) from January 2023 to January 2024. CRP and PCT values were analyzed and compared, and their effectiveness as diagnostic markers was determined by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The study group included 61% male and 39% female neonates. The diagnostic accuracy of PCT was higher at 77.9% as compared to 58.1% for CRP (P≤0.05). In the Rate of Characteristics analysis, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 0.86 for PCT and 0.75 for CRP, which shows both PCT and CRP to be good diagnostic biomarkers for neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: The study concluded that procalcitonin and C-reactive protein are good diagnostic biomarkers for the early detection of neonatal sepsis. The synergistic use of Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein enhances the early and accurate detection of bacterial infections, enabling timely and effective therapy that reduces mortality and guides the rational use of antibiotics. Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein should be used together as reliable biomarkers for early neonatal sepsis detection.