# The predictive value of PCT, SP-D and 8-iso-PGF2 α for the development of severe pneumonia in children

## TL;DR

This study examines how procalcitonin, SP-D, and 8-iso-PGF2α can predict severe pneumonia in children and its outcomes.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific biomarkers that correlate with pneumonia severity and prognosis in children.

## Key findings

- PCT, SP-D, and 8-iso-PGF2α levels are higher in children with severe pneumonia compared to controls.
- These biomarkers are linked to prognosis and pathogen type in severe pneumonia cases.
- Clinical scores like APACHE-II correlate with the biomarker levels in these children.

## Abstract

To investigate the predictive value of predictive value of procalcitonin (PCT), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and pulmonary surfactant-associated protein D (SP-D) for the development of severe pneumonia in children.

Children with severe pneumonia were selected as the pneumonia group, and children with non-pulmonary respiratory diseases were selected as the control group. PCT, 8-iso-PGF2α, and SP-D were compared between the pneumonia group and the control group at admission; PCT, 8-iso-PGF2α, SP-D, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE-II), Pediatric Critical Illness Score (PCIS) and Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) scores were compared between children with severe pneumonia with different pathogen infection types and different prognostic outcomes; and the correlation between APACHE-II, CPIS, and PCIS scores and PCT, 8-iso-PGF2α, and SP-D levels was analysed in children with severe pneumonia.

PCT, 8-iso-PGF2α and SP-D in pneumonia group were higher than those in control group. PCT, 8-iso-PGF2α, SP-D, APACHE-II, CPIS, and PCIS were lower in good prognosis children than in poor prognosis children. APACHE-II, CPIS, and PCIS scores were positively correlated with PCT, 8-iso-PGF2α, and SP-D levels in children with severe pneumonia (P < 0.05).

PCT, SP-D and 8-iso-PGF2α levels relate to pathogen type, illness severity and prognosis in children with severe pneumonia. They can aiding early evaluation.