Use of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of bacterial infection in infants with severe bronchiolitis

Conclusion: We present PCT as a novel test in comparison with the traditional CRP screening test to discern which bronchiolitis patients have IBI. We highlight the importance of PCT for the diagnosis of pneumonia and sepsis, as it proved to be more sensitive and specific than CRP, with statistically significant differences.What is Known:• Bronchiolitis should be treated with antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is present.• The rate of antibiotic prescription in severe bronchiolitis is extremely high, so diagnostic tools are needed.What is New:• PCT is a good biomarker to discern which bronchiolitis patients have IBI, specially for pneumonia and sepsis diagnoses. It is more sensitive and specific than CRP, with statistically significant differences.• Implementation of PCT cut-off values may prevent unnecessary antibiotic use.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research