This study included 46 patients (neonates) with clinically and laboratory diagnosed
neonatal sepsis, and 20 age and sex matched neonates as control. The aim of the study was to
evaluate interleukin-8 (IL-8), C-reactive protein (CRP), and granulocyte colony stimulating
factor (G — CSF) as predictors of neonatal sepsis. Comparing the 2 groups, infection was more
in male than female neonates (P < 0.05), more in low birth weight (LBW) neonates (< 2500
gram) than neonates with birth weight > 2500 gm (P < 0.001). Infection was also more in
preterm than full term neonates (P <0.001), and in neonates delivered after premature rupture
of membranes (PROM) than those delivered without PROM (P < 0.05). Blood culture is the
standard method for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Out of 46 cases clinically and laboratory
diagnosed neonatal sepsis, 40 (86.9%) were positive in blood culture. The most common
organism isolated was group B streptococci. The study also revealed that sensitivity and
specificity of IL-8 were 77.5% and 83.3% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of CRP were
82.5% and 83.3% respectively, while these of G-CSF were 90% and 66.7% respectively
indicating that G-CSF is the most sensitive. |
