PCT X YI SEPSIS

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A recent study published in Pediatrics (March 2025, Vol. 155, e2024069507) by Marom et al. evaluated the effectiveness of procalcitonin (PCT) and other inflammatory markers in identifying invasive bacterial infections (IBIs) in febrile infants aged 60 days or younger. citeturn0search0

Key Findings:

• Procalcitonin as a Predictor: Elevated PCT levels were significantly associated with IBIs, suggesting PCT is a reliable biomarker for early detection in young febrile infants.

• Comparison with Other Markers: While traditional markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) are commonly used, PCT demonstrated superior specificity and sensitivity in detecting IBIs.

• Clinical Implications: Incorporating PCT measurements into the evaluation of febrile infants may enhance diagnostic accuracy, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions and hospitalizations.

These findings support the integration of PCT testing into clinical protocols for managing febrile infants, aiming to improve outcomes through timely and accurate identification of serious bacterial infections.