Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as early diagnostic markers of sepsis or septic shock in children who presented with fever to the pediatric emergency department at a tertiary hospital, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dublin Core
Title
Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as early diagnostic markers of sepsis or septic shock in children who presented with fever to the pediatric emergency department at a tertiary hospital, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Subject
Sepsis, Fever, Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, Pediatric emergency, And bacterial infections
Description
Abstract
Background Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, requiring early recognition for timely
intervention. Traditional biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP) are widely used but have limitations in specificity and
early detection. Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a promising alternative for differentiating bacterial infections from
viral illnesses. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of PCT and CRP in identifying sepsis among
febrile pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department (ED).
Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study at a tertiary hospital from January 2022 to January
2024. A total of 208 children aged 1 month to 14 years with fever (≥38 °C) were included. Patients were categorized
into sepsis (n=84) and non-sepsis (n=124) groups based on clinical assessment and blood culture results. Biomarker
levels, patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and disposition were analyzed.
Results Elevated PCT and CRP levels were significantly associated with sepsis. PCT demonstrated earlier elevation
compared to CRP, correlating with higher rates of PICU admission (34.7% vs. 11.1%, p<0.001). Blood culture positivity
was a strong predictor of severe sepsis (OR: 9.369, p<0.0003). Logistic regression identified high-grade fever, chronic
disease, and viral co-infections as additional risk factors.
Conclusion PCT is a superior early biomarker for detecting invasive bacterial infections compared to CRP.
Incorporating PCT in sepsis protocols can improve early diagnosis, guiding prompt and appropriate management in
pediatric ED settings.
Keywords Sepsis, Fever, Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, Pediatric emergency, And bacterial infections
Background Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, requiring early recognition for timely
intervention. Traditional biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP) are widely used but have limitations in specificity and
early detection. Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a promising alternative for differentiating bacterial infections from
viral illnesses. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of PCT and CRP in identifying sepsis among
febrile pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department (ED).
Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study at a tertiary hospital from January 2022 to January
2024. A total of 208 children aged 1 month to 14 years with fever (≥38 °C) were included. Patients were categorized
into sepsis (n=84) and non-sepsis (n=124) groups based on clinical assessment and blood culture results. Biomarker
levels, patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and disposition were analyzed.
Results Elevated PCT and CRP levels were significantly associated with sepsis. PCT demonstrated earlier elevation
compared to CRP, correlating with higher rates of PICU admission (34.7% vs. 11.1%, p<0.001). Blood culture positivity
was a strong predictor of severe sepsis (OR: 9.369, p<0.0003). Logistic regression identified high-grade fever, chronic
disease, and viral co-infections as additional risk factors.
Conclusion PCT is a superior early biomarker for detecting invasive bacterial infections compared to CRP.
Incorporating PCT in sepsis protocols can improve early diagnosis, guiding prompt and appropriate management in
pediatric ED settings.
Keywords Sepsis, Fever, Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, Pediatric emergency, And bacterial infections
Creator
Altaf Bhat1
, Nehal Alsadhan1
, Norah Alsadhan2
, Dimah Alnowaiser1
, Imran Gattoo1
, Mohammed Hussain1
,
Rafa Alotbi1
, Sattam Alruwaili3
and Yara AlGoraini1*
, Nehal Alsadhan1
, Norah Alsadhan2
, Dimah Alnowaiser1
, Imran Gattoo1
, Mohammed Hussain1
,
Rafa Alotbi1
, Sattam Alruwaili3
and Yara AlGoraini1*
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00888-2
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Altaf Bhat1
, Nehal Alsadhan1
, Norah Alsadhan2
, Dimah Alnowaiser1
, Imran Gattoo1
, Mohammed Hussain1
,
Rafa Alotbi1
, Sattam Alruwaili3
and Yara AlGoraini1*, “Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as early diagnostic markers of sepsis or septic shock in children who presented with fever to the pediatric emergency department at a tertiary hospital, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 26, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12776.