Abstract
CONTEXT: IL-27 is a novel biomarker to identify bacterial infection in children. OBJECTIVE: IL-27 was evaluated among pediatric emergency department (ED) patients and compared with procalcitonin (PCT). METHODS AND RESULTS: Children undergoing blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid cultures had IL-27 and PCT assays performed. Bacterial infection was defined as a positive culture or a clinical diagnosis based on chart review. IL-27 and PCT were increased among patients with bacterial infection and demonstrated comparable AUC's (0.62 versus 0.61). A decision tree incorporating IL-27, PCT, and white blood cell count improved the AUC (0.80). CONCLUSION: IL-27 is a viable candidate biomarker to identify bacterial infection among ED patients and is comparable with PCT.