Whether Cord Blood or Venous Blood Procalcitonin Level for Better Prediction of Maternofetal Infections in Algerian Newborns?

This prospective study aims to measure and compare the level of umbilical cord blood and venous blood procalcitonin (PCT) for a better and more rapid prediction of maternofetal infections in Algerian newborns. The study was conducted at the hospital of child and mother of Setif in Algeria from 2016 to 2018. 164 Algerian term suspected newborns born alive to mothers with Maternofetal infection (MFI) risk factors were included. 69 non-infectious newborns born alive to mothers without MFI risk factors served as the control group. The venous blood and cord blood in each group were collected. PCT levels were determined and compared to CRP levels. Receiver operating curves (ROC) were generated to detect the best cut-off values for sensitivity and specificity. Levels of both cord blood and venous blood procalcitonin were significantly higher in the suspected group than those in the control group (P<0.05). According to the ROC curve, at the cut-off value of cord blood PCT of 0.595 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.3 %, 91.8 % respectively. At the cut-off value of venous blood PCT of 1.12 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 100%, 80.5% respectively. The diagnostic value of cord blood PCT for maternofetal infections is higher than venous blood PCT. Keywords:   Algerian term newborns, Cord blood, Procalcitonin, Maternofetal infections