Abstract

Introduction. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker that rises at the onset of bacterial infection while remaining relatively low in other inflammatory processes. Diagnosing serious bacterial infection (SBI) in neonates presenting with fever without a source (FWS) is challenging and utilizing PCT can improve this process. This paper presents a synthesis of the evidence supporting PCT as a prognostic indicator in neonates.

Methodology. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to develop practice recommendations. A guideline, the Intermountain Healthcare Care Process Model (2013), was modified to include PCT, which was then validated by a panel of clinical experts.

Results. Evidence supports the use of PCT as a prognostic indicator. Clinical expert feedback supports using the modified Intermountain Healthcare Care Process Model (2013) in practice.

Discussion. PCT is a valuable serum biomarker that should be examined in the workup of neonates presenting with FWS and a modified algorithm to include PCT is presented.

Author Details

Tara L. Cecil, RN, DNP, MSN, BSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

Sigma Membership

Unknown

Lead Author Affiliation

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Clinical Practice Guideline(s)

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Procalcitonin, Neonatal, Sepsis, Serious Bacterial Infection, Fever Without a Source

Advisor

Saulpaugh, Janine

Second Advisor

Umberger, Paul Repass III

Third Advisor

Watkins, Katherine Dolan

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Northern Arizona University

Degree Year

2016

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

Full Text of Presentation

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