Evaluating the predictive value of procalcitonin, cough duration, and heat peak in severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Objective To investigate the predictive value of risk factors for severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Methods Retrospective analyses were conducted on 342 children with acute MPP hospitalized between December 2015 and December 2018. Results A total of 342 cases were including in the analyses, with most cases involving infants and preschool-aged children. Patients were categorized as general and severe MPP. Patients in the severe group had increased heat peak, fever duration, cough duration, length of hospitalization, and levels of white blood cell, neutrophils, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin, as well as reduced levels of lymphocytes and platelets compared to the general group. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that increased levels of procalcitonin (>0.67 ng/mL), prolonged cough duration (>13.5 days), and heat peak above 38.4°C may be early predictors for severe MPP. Conclusions The severity of MPP effects fever, cough duration, and inflammatory response. Taking a detailed medical history and early procalcitonin measurement may help detect severe MPP.