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Am J Perinatol 2018; 35(08): 769-773
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1615793
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Procalcitonin as Predictor of Bacterial Infection in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Mahendiran K.
1   Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
,
Prerna Batra
1   Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
,
M. M. A. Faridi
1   Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
,
N. P. Singh
2   Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
› Author Affiliations Funding INR 25,000 was granted for PCT assay from Institute Intramural Grant for postgraduate thesis work.
Further Information

Publication History

08 August 2017

16 November 2017

Publication Date:
29 December 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Background There is a lack of definite consensus on indications for initiating antibiotics in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), instigating researchers to search for a biomarker that can help differentiate MAS from MAS with bacterial infection.

Objective Our primary objective was to compare serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in full-term vigorous neonates having MAS with or without bacterial infection.

Materials and Methods Seventy term vigorous neonates with diagnosis of MAS were enrolled. Blood samples were taken for sepsis screen, C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT, and blood culture at 6 ± 2 hours of respiratory distress. Neonates were categorized into group 1 (MAS without bacterial infection) and group 2 (MAS with bacterial infection) based on blood culture. The duration of our study was 18 months.

Results Mean ± standard deviation PCT level was 2.52 ± 3.99 in group 1 and 2.71 ± 4.22 in group 2, which was comparable. At cutoff of 0.1 ng/mL, PCT had a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 8% in detecting bacterial infection. Mean total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil count, immature to total leucocyte ratio, microerythrocyte sedimentation rate, and CRP were comparable.

Conclusion Though PCT is an early and reliable marker of neonatal infection, the levels were increased in neonates with MAS irrespective of the presence of bacterial infection.

Keywords

meconium aspiration syndrome - neonatal sepsis - procalcitonin

Authors' Contributions

P.B. and M.K. conceptualized the study. P.B., M.K., M.M.A.F., and N.P.S. designed the protocol. M.K. collected the data. P.B. and M.K. analyzed and interpreted data, and searched literature. First draft of the article was written by M.K. and further modified by P.B. N.P.S. helped in laboratory analysis. M.M.A.F. and N.P.S. critically analyzed the article. P.B. shall act as guarantor for the study.


 

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