Application of SAA, CRP and PCT in diagnosis of neonatal infections

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in early diagnosis of neonatal infective diseases.

MethodsThe levels of SAA, CRP and PCT in 30 cases of neonates with neonatal septicemia and 34 cases of virus infection were detected by ELISA and chemiluminescence respectively, and compared with the normal control group.

ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in serum SAA, CRP and PCT levels between the septicemia group and the control group (P < 0.01);there were statistically significant differences in serum SAA levels between the viral infection group and the control group (P < 0.01), while CRP levels was statistically significant different as compared with those of the control (P < 0.05).The serum SAA, CRP and PCT positive rates were 96.7%, 73.3% and 90% respectively in the septicemia group, and 100%, 29.4% and 8.8% respectively in the viral infection group.There were statistically significant differences between SAA, CRP and PCT (P < 0.01).

ConclusionThe combined detection of serum SAA, CRP and PCT can be used as an objective index for early diagnosis and judgement of neonatal infective diseases and help to differentiate bacterial and viral infections.