Bacterial sepsis is a major cause
of morbidity and mortality in neonates.
Granulocyte colony stimulating factor
(G-CSF) is a physiologic regulator of
neutrophil production and function.
The aim of this study was to determine
if serum granulocyte colony
stimulating factor level could be of
value in diagnosing neonatal sepsis.
We measured serum G-CSF levels by
enzyme linked immunoassay in 70
newborn infants of varying gestational
ages and postnatal ages. We classified
the infants into 3 groups: group I
(18 infants) with positive bacterial
blood culture result; group 11 (25 infants)
with negative blood culture result
but evidence of clinical sepsis,
and group III (27 infants) with negative
blood culture and no evidence of
infection (control group). The mean
G-CSF level was 2312 ± 396 pg/ml in group I, 2173 ± 415 pg/ml in group II,
and 166 ± 19 pg/ml in group III . The
mean G-CSF levels of group I and ll
were significantly higher (P<0.05)
than those of group III. G-CSF levels
were positively correlated with the
higher number of risk factors and
HSS in groups I and II. On the basis
of cut off value 204 pg/ml, the sensitivity
of G-CSF was 94% and
specificity was 74%. Thus we concluded
that G-CSF levels represent a
sensitive marker of infection in neonates
of varying gestational ages. |
