Serum procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 for distinguishing bacterial and viral pneumonia in children

Abstract (PubMed)

PCT, CRP and IL-6 measured in 126 children hospitalized for community-acquired radiologically confirmed pneumonia to assess distinction of bacterial from viral etiology. Etiology identified by panel detecting 6 bacteria and 11 viruses. 54% bacterial, 32% sole viral, 14% undetermined. Children with bacterial pneumonia had significantly higher PCT (2.09 vs 0.56 ng/ml, P=0.019) and CRP (96 vs 54 mg/l, P=0.008) than viral cases. No significant IL-6 difference. Using PCT ≥2.0 ng/ml, CRP ≥150 mg/l or IL-6 ≥40 pg/ml: specificity >80% for bacterial. Sensitivities: PCT 50%, CRP 31%, IL-6 34%. Conclusion: PCT, CRP and IL-6 have little value for differentiating bacterial from viral pneumonia in children, though very high values suggest bacterial etiology.