Abstract 57

Objective: To evaluate PCT in comparison with IL-8 and CRP as a test for the early diagnosis of bacterial infections in NI. Methods: Between April 1997 and January 1998, PCT was prospectively measured 122 times at the first suspicion of BI in term and preterm NI along with blood cultures, IL-8, CRP and differential white blood counts. The diagnosis of BI was based on the presence of symptoms of BI and either a positive blood culture or a CRP of > 10 mg/L at 12 - 60 hours after the initial evaluation. Results: 30 infants were diagnosed as infected, 6 had positive culture results. At a cutpoint of 0,5 ng/ml PCT detected BI with a sensitivity of 60% [41;77] and a specificity of 71%[60;80]. The combination of IL-8 > 70 pg/ml and/or CRP > 10 mg/l achieved a sensitivity of 87% [70;96] and a specificity of 78%[68;85]. [ ] = 95% confidence interval. Conclusion: PCT is probably not useful for the early diagnosis of BI in NI. The combination of IL-8 and/or CRP is more reliable.