Key result
Elevated hs-CRP and PCT lack independent predictive value for adverse outcomes compared to positive blood cultures.
Why the study?
Neonatal sepsis causes significant morbidity and mortality, prompting evaluation of procalcitonin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at admission and 24 hours postsurgery to predict adverse outcomes.
Do perioperative PCT and hs-CRP levels predict adverse postoperative outcomes in surgical neonates?
Population
120 operated neonates admitted to a surgical neonatal intensive care unit
Comparison
Biomarker levels at admission and 24 h postsurgery
Design
Prospective observational study
Follow-up
Discharge or death
Authors
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Lower birth weight may associate with fewer severe complications; leaves open causal inference and requires prospective validation before clinical consideration.
Observational (n=120)
No
Do perioperative PCT and hs-CRP levels predict adverse postoperative outcomes in surgical neonates?
p-value: p=<0.001
While hs-CRP and PCT are sensitive markers for postoperative sepsis in surgical neonates, they are not independent predictors of adverse outcomes when adjusting for birth weight and blood culture positivity.
Ratan et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Neonatal sepsis in surgical neonates (n=120). Elevated serum procalcitonin (PCT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) vs. Normal biomarker levels was evaluated on Adverse outcomes (Clavien-Dindo Grade 4 or death) (p=<0.001). Elevated hs-CRP and PCT correlated with adverse outcomes (P<0.001), but only lower birth weight and 24-hour blood culture positivity (OR 6.41; 95% CI 2.18-18.85) were independent predictors.
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