Procalcitonin levels were determined prospectively in 51 blood samples taken from babies with suspected sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, and meconium stained amniotic fluid, and 21 samples obtained from control babies (15 term and 6 preterm). Procalcitonin levels were not related to birth weight, gestational age, or type of delivery. Unexpectedly high procalcitonin levels were observed in the first days of life in all groups. Newborns in the sepsis group did not have raised procalcitonin levels. We conclude that procalcitonin is not a useful marker for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis (especially early neonatal) since high levels might be observed in normal newborns.

Keywords: prokalsitonin, sepsis, yenidoğan