TITLE:
Predictive Value of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
AUTHORS:
Mayowa Mary Adetoye, Adetola Adedamola Ayankola, Victor Idowu Joel-Medewase, Odunayo Oluseun Afolayan, Olusegun Joseph Adebami, Olusola Adetunji Oyedeji
KEYWORDS:
Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, Neonatal Sepsis, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.15 No.5,
September
22,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Neonatal sepsis is a generalized infection of the neonate’s blood and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with variable and non-specific clinical presentation. Even though blood culture is the gold standard for diagnosis, the yield is low and it takes about 5 to 7 days before the result is obtained and may cause a delay in the commencement of appropriate treatment. Therefore, this study evaluated the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as a rapid diagnostic test for neonatal sepsis. Methods and Materials: This prospective study was carried out on 174 neonates admitted with risk factors and features suspected of sepsis into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, from 1st August, 2023 to 31st July 2024. Babies were evaluated and blood samples were obtained for blood culture, serum PCT, CRP levels and complete blood count from each neonate prior to commencement of antibiotics. Data was analyzed on the IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results: Of the 174 babies, 74 (42.5%) had positive blood culture (proven sepsis). The optimal cut-off value for procalcitonin was 540 pg/ml, and C-reactive protein was 2.6 µg/ml. The sensitivity of PCT and CRP for predicting sepsis was 85.1% and 81.1% respectively; its specificity was 78.0%, its positive predictive value was 74.1% and its negative predictive value was 87.6%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CRP for predicting sepsis were 81.08%, 52.0%, 55.6% and 78.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PCT and CRP combined were 89.20 % and 50.0 %, respectively. Conclusions: Both markers identified 66 (89.2 %) of the 74 culture-positive babies. Both biomarkers are therefore useful as a screening method individually and combined for neonatal sepsis, while giving immediate results.