# The diagnostic value plasma procalcitonin (PCT) and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) in children with mycoplasma pneumonia

## TL;DR

This study examines how combining lung ultrasound with blood markers PCT and SAA can help diagnose mycoplasma pneumonia in children.

## Contribution

The study introduces a combined diagnostic approach using ultrasound and biomarkers for improved detection of mycoplasma pneumonia in children.

## Key findings

- PCT and SAA levels were higher in MPP patients compared to non-MPP patients.
- Combining PCT, SAA, and lung ultrasound improved diagnostic accuracy for MPP.
- ROC curve analysis showed the combined method outperformed individual tests.

## Abstract

To evaluate the diagnostic value of pulmonary ultrasound combined with plasma procalcitonin (PCT) and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP).

Clinical data of 80 children with community-acquired pneumonia who underwent lung ultrasound examinations and were admitted to our hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were collected. Children with MPP were divided into an MPP group and a non-MPP group on the grounds of whether they were MPP patients. Meanwhile, PCT and SAA levels were checked, and lung ultrasound and PCT and SAA examination results were collected and compared. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the value difference of the three alone and in combination in diagnosing mycoplasma pneumonia.