The value of laboratory tests for the early diagnosis of newborn sepsis

Abstract

In our study, laboratory tests were evaluated in the early diagnosis of newborn sepsis. The study consisted of 53 newborn infants with the diagnosis of suspected sepsis. Of the 53 newborn infants twenty seven were excluded from the study, because of negative blood culture. Remaining 26 newborns with positive blood culture and 15 healthy newborns comprised the study (sepsis group) and control group respectively. Total mature neutrophil count, immature/total neutrophil and immature/matür neutrophil ratio, toxic granulation changes, serum level of C-reactive protein and haptoglobin were found statistically higher in sepsis group than control group. Thrombocyte count and serum level of IgG were significantly lower in sepsis group. Average total white blood cell count, result of nitroblue tetrazolium tests erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum level of IgM was similar in both groups. We emphasized that hematological scoring system, serum level of C-reactive protein and haptoglobins can be used in the early diagnosis of newborn sepsis.