RELATIONSHIP OF SERUM PROCALCITONIN LEVELS AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS IN NEWBORNS WITH SEPSIS IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESPIRATORY SUPPORT IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Sepsis in newborns with RDSy and asphyxia is essential; it is a life-threatening condition and still represents an important cause of mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive values of procalcitonin (PCT) as an early diagnostic and prognostic biochemical marker for sepsis in newborns with RDS and asphyxia. Material and methods: The study was designed as prospective and we examined 110 newborns with proven sepsis admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at the University Clinic of Pediatrics – Skopje in the period between December 2018 and Јanuary 2021. Procalcitonin levels were measured by using the immunoassay system Vidas based on the ELFA principles. The newborns with proven sepsis were divided into two groups. The first group comprised 55 newborns with RDS and proven sepsis and the second group included 55 newborns with asphyxia and proven sepsis. The statistical analysis confirmed significantly different values of PCT in the analyzed time period in first group of newborns with RDS and proven sepsis, p<0.001. The highest average values (40.37±53.79) were measured on admission with a high level of peak compared to the second group of newborns with asphyxia and proven sepsis. The statistical analysis confirmed significantly different values of PCT in the analyzed time period in the first group of newborns with RDS and proven sepsis with mechanical ventilation (MV) and bubble continuous positive airway pressure (BCPAP) compared to the second group of newborns with asphyxia and proven sepsis, p<0.001. PCT is a promising sepsis marker in newborns with RDSy, capable of complementing clinical signs and routine laboratory parameters suggestive of severe infection at the time of ICU admission.