Comparison of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the diagnosis of late onset sepsis in preterm newborns

Abstract

Abstract Abstract Objective: We aimed to determine the value of uNGAL levels in the early diagnosis of late-onset sepsis in preterms, and to compare CRP and PCT. Materials and Methods: Preterm infants admitted to the NICU between the ages of 7 to 28 days, were divided into two groups: 24 cases with clinical sepsis (gestational age 32.88±1.45w) and 20 cases as the control group (gestational age 33±1.49w). Laboratory analyses (CBC, uNGAL, CRP and PCT measurements) were performed at the onset of treatment in the two groups. In the sepsis group, the patients were re-evaluated. Results: On the first and seventh days of treatment in the sepsis group, CRP (median: 25.09mg/L vs 8.63mg/L), PCT (median; 17.11ng/ml vs 1.39ng/ml) and uNGAL levels were determined as 45.69±18.37ng/ml, 7.89±4.19ng/ml, respectively. We found significant differences in CRP, PCT and uNGAL levels between the groups. On the seventh day of treatment, CRP, PCT and uNGAL levels were found to have significantly decreased.We found the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, respectively as: for CRP, 58.3%, 80%, 77.8% and 61.5%; for PCT, 91.7%, 75%, 81.5% and 88.2%; and for uNGAL, 91.7%, 100%, 100% and 90.9% Conclusion: Urinary NGAL seems to be a more sensitive and specific, reliable biomarker than serum CRP and PCT. We believe that unlike other biomarkers, uNGAL does not require a blood sample, non-invasive and non-sterile conditions, and with small amounts of urine collection in newborn sepsis it may be an ideal biomarker.