Diagnostic Values of Procalcitonin useful Tool in Preterm Newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome at ICU

Introduction: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs predominantly in preterm newbors and is a due to deficiency of surfactant . Early diagnosis of sepsis in preterm newborns with RDS is essential for life-threatening condition, for reducing severe sepsis and septic shock in the Intensive care Unit at the University Children`s Hospital in Skopje.The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic values of Procalcitonin (PCT), as an early diagnostic and prognostic marker in preterm newborns with proven sepsis.

Methods: This study was designed as a prospective study, where we included 63 newborns with RDS and clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at the University Children’s Hospital – Skopje. Positive blood culture were proven with the new multiplex polymerase chain reaction–based rapid diagnostic test (BioFire FilmAray Blood Culture Identification). Procalcitonin levels were measured by using a immunoassay system Vidas based on the ELFA principles

Results: Group I included 44 term newborns (male 58.6%, female 41.4%, mean birth weigh 2529.4 ± 774.2 grams mean gestational age 36.46 ± 3.1 weeks,) and group II included 19 preterm newborns (male 62.3%, female 37.7%, mean birth weight 1681± 741.1 grams mean gestational age 31±2.9 weeks weeks,).The values of PCT at the admission were high in preterm newborns than term newborns. The values of PCT at the admission were high in preterm newborns with positive blood culture than preterm newborns with negative blood culture. Positive blood culture was the most common predisposing factor for severe sepsis and septic shock. The mortality rate was 27% and was significantly higher in the RDS preterm newborns.

b The levels of PCT have important clinical significance in predicting the prognosis of preterm newborns with RDS and sepsis, to prevent the development of severe sepsis and septic shockT.