Diagnostic performance of interleukin-27 and C-reactive protein in neonatal sepsis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis - Scorecard - MDSpire

Diagnostic performance of interleukin-27 and C-reactive protein in neonatal sepsis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Wei Liu

  • Yan Zhang

  • Weidong Liu

  • Jun Luo

  • May 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Evaluating the Diagnostic Accuracy of Interleukin-27 and C-Reactive Protein for Neonatal Sepsis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionNeonatal Sepsis
Key MechanismsIL-27 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that modulates immune responses and is elevated in sepsis.
Target PopulationNeonates, particularly preterm infants.
Care SettingNeonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and hospitals.

Key Highlights

  • IL-27 shows a pooled sensitivity of 0.82 for diagnosing neonatal sepsis.
  • IL-27 has a pooled specificity of 0.85, outperforming CRP.
  • The area under the curve (AUC) for IL-27 is 0.92, indicating robust predictive value.
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP) has lower sensitivity (0.73) and specificity (0.76) compared to IL-27.
  • IL-27 may serve as a more reliable biomarker for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Utilize IL-27 as a biomarker for early identification of neonatal sepsis.

Management

  • Implement timely antibiotic therapy based on IL-27 levels in suspected cases of sepsis.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor IL-27 levels in neonates presenting with symptoms of sepsis.

Risks

  • Consider the risk of misdiagnosis if relying solely on CRP for sepsis diagnosis.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Neonates with suspected or confirmed sepsis.

IL-27 may guide early intervention and reduce adverse outcomes in neonatal sepsis.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate IL-27 testing in diagnostic protocols for neonatal sepsis.
  • Ensure timely blood sampling for IL-27 before initiating antimicrobial therapy.

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