ObjectiveTo examine and compare the value of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 in diagnosing fetal sepsis in premature neonates. MethodsPreterm neonates with premature rupture of membrane between January 2010 and September 2012 were screened, and the serum levels of PCT, CRP and IL-6 were detected in the first day of life. All preterm neonates were divided into two groups according to the development of sepsis (45 cases with sepsis and 39 cases without sepsis). ResultsThe levels of PCT, CRP and IL-6 in premature neonates with sepsis were all significantly higher than those without sepsis. The cut-off value of PCT in diagnosis of sepsis was 2.14 μg/L, with a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 85% respectively; the cut-off value of CRP in diagnosis of sepsis was 7.90 mg/L, with a sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 61% respectively. For IL-6, the cut-off value in diagnosis of sepsis was 13.80 ng/L, and its sensitivity and specificity were high to 90% and 94%, respectively. ConclusionIL-6 is the most reliable biochemical marker for the detection of early-onset sepsis in preterm neonates with premature rupture of membrane.