Frontiers in Pediatrics (Dec 2021)

Umbilical Cord Procalcitonin to Detect Early-Onset Sepsis in Newborns: A Promising Biomarker

  • O. R. E. Dongen,
  • L. M. van Leeuwen,
  • L. M. van Leeuwen,
  • P. K. de Groot,
  • K. Vollebregt,
  • I. Schiering,
  • B. A. Wevers,
  • S. M. Euser,
  • M. A. van Houten

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.779663
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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Background: Up to 7% of neonates born in high-income countries receive antibiotics for suspected early-onset sepsis (EOS). Culture-proven neonatal sepsis has a prevalence of 0.2%, suggesting considerable overtreatment. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of umbilical cord blood and infant blood procalcitonin (PCT) in diagnosing EOS to improve antibiotic stewardship.Methods: Umbilical cord blood PCT was tested in newborns ≥ 32 weeks of gestation. Groups were defined as following: A) culture-proven or probable EOS (n = 25); B) Possible EOS, based on risk factors for which antibiotics were administered for <72 h (n = 49); C) Risk factor(s) for EOS without need for antibiotic treatment (n = 181); D) Healthy controls (n = 74). Additionally, venous or capillary blood PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) were tested if blood drawing was necessary for standard care.Results: Between June 2019 and March 2021, 329 newborns were included. Umbilical cord blood PCT was significantly higher in group A than in group C and D. No difference between venous or arterial samples was found. Sensitivity and specificity for cord blood procalcitonin were 83 and 62%, respectively (cut-off 0.1 ng/mL). Antepartum maternal antibiotic administration was associated with decreased PCT levels in both cord blood and infant blood directly postpartum in all groups combined.Conclusion: Umbilical cord blood PCT levels are increased in newborns ≥32 weeks with a proven or probable EOS and low in newborns with risk factors for infection, but PCT seems not a reliable marker after maternal antibiotic treatment. PCT could be useful to distinguish infected from healthy newborns with or without EOS risk factors.

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