Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum procalcitonin（PCT）level for the prognosis of children with septic shock.Methods We included a total of 68 children diagnosed with septic shock who were admitted to ICU from January 2014 to June 2015.On Day 1

Day 3and Day 6after admission

the serum PCT level was determined and the pediatric critical illness score（PCIS）was recorded.Based on their survival status on Day 28

these children were divided into the survival group（n=30）and the death group（n=38）.The PCT level and the PCIS score were compared between the two groups

and correlation analysis was also performed.Results In the survival group

the serum PCT level tended to decrease with time;whereas in the death group

the PCT level increased with time.On Day 1

Day 3and Day 6

the serum PCT level was significantly lower in the survival group than that in the death group（P<0.01）.With time

the PCIS score tended to increase in the survival group but decrease in the death group.On Day 1

Day 3and Day 6

the PCIS score was significantly higher in the survival group than that in the death group（P<0.01）.The serum PCT level was negatively correlated with the PCIS score.Conclusion For pediatric patients with septic shock

monitoring the changes in the serum PCT level may effectively predict their prognosis.