Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin in Well-appearing Febrile Children

Abstract

Background: Occult bacteremia (OB) means bacteremia without an obvious focus of infection. About 30 % of febrile children, three months to three years old have occult bacteremia, many children with occult bacteremia may appear relatively well. If occult bacteremia is neglected and not treated, it may be localized resulting in meningitis, pneumonia, cellulitis or septic arthritis. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the estimation of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in determination of genuine bacterial contamination specifically intrusive bacterial disease in well-seeming febrile cases.
Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study, which was conducted at Pediatrics Department of Zagazig University Hospitals from April 2016 to October 2016. This study was conducted on 37 cases with fever without source (FWS). All patients were subjected to detailed history taking, general examination and laboratory investigations included serum procalcitonin (PCT), complete blood picture (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood culture.
Results: There was significant increase in WBCs among positive culture group than negative culture group. There was statistically significant increase in procalcitonin (PCT) among positive culture group than negative culture group. There were statistically significant positive correlation between PCT & CRP and PCT & TLC.
Conclusion: PCT shows the highest sensitivity and specificity for detection of cases compared to other parameters of infection