Research Paper

Reliability Of Serum Procalcitonin Level For The Diagnosis Of Late Onset Sepsis In Neonates

Abstract :

Introduction: Sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal sepsis, especially in developing countries. There are several investigations available that may be used as indicators to identify sepsis, however, the inability of a single laboratory investigation for rapid detection and diagnosis of sepsis, calls for the need of a specific investigation. It has been recently reported that procalcitonin can be used as a reliable predictor for diagnosis and to determine severity as well as outcome of neonatal sepsis.Objective: To evaluate the reliability of serum concentrations of procalcitonin for the diagnosis of late-onset sepsis in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted between the June 2018 to November 2018 at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital. Serum procalcitonin levels were determined for 25 neonates of age between 3-30 days.Results: Distinct elevations of procalcitonin lvels in neonates with late-onset infection due to coagulase-negative staphylococci. Currently nosocomial infection due to coagulase-negative staphylococci is a frequent occurrence in NICUs.Conclusion: Serum procalcitonin is an effective marker for diagnosis of Late Onset of Sepsis.

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