Prognostic value of procalcitonin for bacteremia in pediatric oncologic febrile neutropenia in a Peruvian population

This project evaluates the prognostic value of serum procalcitonin measured at hospital admission for the detection of bacteremia in pediatric oncology patients presenting with febrile neutropenia. Using a diagnostic test design nested within a retrospective cohort, the study analyzes the first episode of febrile neutropenia in hospitalized children with cancer between 2021 and 2025 at a specialized referral center in Peru. Clinical characteristics, admission procalcitonin levels, and blood culture results obtained within the first 48 hours are assessed. Diagnostic accuracy measures, including ROC curve analysis, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios, are used to determine the optimal procalcitonin cutoff. This project aims to generate local evidence to improve risk stratification and support timely clinical decision-making in pediatric febrile neutropenia.