The AUCs for PCT, ALB and CRP were 0.69 (95% CI, 0.66–0.73, p < 0.001), 0.68 (95% CI, 0.65–0.72, p < 0.001) and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64–0.71, p < 0.001), respectively, which were lower than the AUC for PAR in predicting sepsis in neonates with pneumonia (p < 0.05). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is pneumonia.