Serum Neopterin and Procalcitonin Levels in Relationship with Pediatric Burn Wound Infections

Abstract

Infection and septic complications in burn patients can be monitored by procalcitonin (PCT) and neopterin plasma values. The aim of the study was to investigate serum neopterin and PCT levels with WBC (white blood cell) and CRP (C-reactive protein) levels in patient group (PG) and healthy control group (HCG) and to investigate the relationship of these markers with burn wound infections (BWI). As the PG, 23 patients between 0-12 ages and up to 30% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned and 15 HCG were included. PCT, neopterin, WBC, and CRP results on the fi rst, the seventh, the fourteenth and the 21 st day have been compared. During the follow-up period, 11 patients with BWI and 12 patients without BWI were classifi ed as infected and non-infected patients, respectively. PCT and neopterin levels were detected higher in patients with BWI but no signifi cant difference were present. Also, PCT and neopterin levels within the fi rst 24 hours following the burn were detected higher in PG than HCG. CRP and WBC levels were detected high due to burn trauma. PCT and neopterin levels were increased in patients with BWI. PCT levels were increased during the pre-infectious period, while neopterin levels increased during the post-infectious period.

Diagnostic value of procalcitonin and red blood cell distribution width at admission on the prognosis of patients with severe burns: A retrospective analysis

“…The plasma PCT concentrations of burn sepsis patients and non‐sepsis patients were 8.45 ± 7.8 versus 0.5 ± 1.0, respectively, with a statistically significant difference 31 . In the child burn study, it was found that the plasma PCT concentration in the first 24 h after the burn was significantly higher in patients with sepsis than in patients without sepsis 32 . The PCT level 24 h after severe burn and the plasma PCT concentration every day after the burn have good accuracy and specificity for the diagnosis of sepsis 3,33 .…”

“…31 In the child burn study, it was found that the plasma PCT concentration in the first 24 h after the burn was significantly higher in patients with sepsis than in patients without sepsis. 32 The PCT level 24 h after severe burn and the plasma PCT concentration every day after the burn have good accuracy and specificity for the diagnosis of sepsis. 3,33 Because this study is the analysis of PCT concentration at the time of admission of severe burns to the prognosis of severe burns, the causes of death of severe burn patients may be many factors such as initial hypovolemic shock, cardiopulmonary arrest complicated by severe burns, and sepsis during treatment.…”