[Role of procalcitonin in the diagnosis of early neonatal infection]

Abstract

Objective: To limit the regulation of antibiotherapy in neonatal early infections by improving the tracking and the diagnosis of infected newborns.

Patients and method: First part: analysis of procalcitonin (PCT) in the cord. Method of tracking: 87 cases. Cut-off PCT=0.5 ng/mL. Measurement of CRP at 24 h if PCT>0.5 ng/mL. Second part: analysis of the PCT between 4 h and 6 h in the event of infectious risk; 47 cases over 6 months. Cut-off PCT=2 ng/mL. Measurement of CRP at 12 h and/or 24 h.

Results: In 2012, there were 10 antibiotherapies prescribed per 1000 births versus 30/1000 in 2011. A reduction in two thirds of the indications was seen.

Conclusion: Markers of inflammation, i.e., the PCT (good specificity and good negative predictive value from 0 to 6 h of life) and CRP (good sensitivity and good positive predictive value from 12 to 24 of life) should be combined in time.