Secretory phospholipase A(2) in newborn infants with sepsis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) activity in neonatal sepsis.

Study design: Plasma sPLA(2) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, leukocyte count and immature/total neutrophil (I/T) ratio were assessed in a group of 156 infants admitted for neonatal intensive care, who were classified as documented sepsis (n=24), suspected infection (n=77) and controls (n=55). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were assessed in a subgroup (n=29).

Result: sPLA(2) activity, CRP concentration and I/T ratio were higher in sepsis than in suspected infection or control groups. sPLA(2) activity advanced with increasing CRP, I/T ratio and IL-6 was highest in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Compared to CRP, sPLA(2) had equal sensitivity and lower specificity. Compared to I/T ratio, sensitivity and specificity of sPLA(2) were higher.

Conclusion: Plasma sPLA(2) activity is increased in neonatal sepsis and highest in infants with RDS. Further studies should assess the potential of sPLA(2) inhibition in neonatal sepsis.