ISSN : 2663-2187

Serum Ferritin and C-Reactive Protein as Prognostic Biomarkers in Pediatric Sepsis: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Rural Tertiary Care Center

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Dr. J. Jadhav, Dr. Supriya Kole, Dr. Onkar Dang, Dr. P. Hari Chandana, Dr. Aparna Suresh M
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.7.8.2025.684-705

Abstract

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of pediatric mortality worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings. Early identification of high-risk patients through biomarkers is crucial for improving outcomes. This study evaluated the correlation between serum ferritin and quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with disease severity and clinical outcomes in pediatric sepsis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural tertiary care hospital from June 2022 to May 2024. Children aged 2 months to 12 years with sepsis were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical presentations, laboratory parameters including quantitative CRP and serum ferritin levels, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Correlation analysis was performed to assess relationships between biomarkers and hospital stay duration and mortality. Results: Of 160 children enrolled, 84 (52.5%) were aged 5-12 years with male predominance (58.8%). Common presentations included respiratory distress (78.1%), decreased urine output (78.1%), and fever (77.5%). Elevated CRP levels (>1.0 mg/L) were found in 88 patients (55.0%), while elevated ferritin levels occurred in 78 patients (48.8%). Blood culture positivity was 20%, with Staphylococcus aureus predominating. Overall mortality was 18.1%. Both CRP and ferritin showed significant positive correlations with hospital stay duration (r=+0.423 and r=+0.445 respectively, p<0.001) and mortality (r=+0.387 and r=+0.402 respectively, p<0.001). Patients with elevated levels of both biomarkers had the worst outcomes. Conclusion: Serum ferritin and quantitative CRP serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing disease severity and predicting clinical outcomes in pediatric sepsis. Their use in rural tertiary care settings can facilitate early risk stratification and guide clinical management decisions.

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