Utility of a combined test of procalcitonin,high-sensitivity c-reactive protein and white blood cell in diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia

Objective To investigate utility of a combined test of procalcitonin( PCT),high-sensitivity c-reactive protein( hs-CRP) and white blood cell( WBC) in the diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia. Methods 188 newborns with infectious pneumonia were divided into bacterial infection group( 66 cases),mixed infection group( 30 cases) and other group( 92 cases). 180 newborns without infectious diseases were selected as control group. The levels of PCT and CRP and WBC counting were compared before and after treatment. Results The detection sensitivity of CRP,WBC and PCT in the bacterial infection group,mixed infection group and other groups was 96. 1%,83. 2% and 38. 6%,respectively,and the specificity was 89. 9%,66. 4% and 68. 4%,respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined test were significantly higher than that of single detection. Before treatment,the PCT,CRP and WBC of bacterial infection group and mixed infection group were significantly higher than the control group,the difference was statistically significant; they were reduced by the treatment,and there were no significant differences. Conclusion A combined test of CRP,WBC and PCT in the differential diagnosis and monitoring for therapeutic efficacy of neonatal pneumonia has important significance. It can guide the rational use of antibiotic drugs and the evaluation of curative effect.