[Early diagnosis of neonatal infection]

Abstract

In 93 preterm and term infants with proven neonatal septicemia and/or meningitis different leukocyte indexes were evaluated at onset of septicemia [absolute neutrophil count, immature neutrophil count, immature to total neutrophil ratio (I/T-ratio)]. 75% of the patients who developed septicemia within the first three days of life and 60% of all neonates with septicemia or meningitis could be identified by an elevated I/T-ratio, the most sensitive leukocyte count. Thrombocytopenia was observed in only 33% of the patients. Additional analysis of IgM and fibrinogen was neither helpful in identifying neonatal infections nor a valuable follow-up parameter of successful treatment. In contrast C-reactive protein (CRP) was increased in 88% of all infants with neonatal septicemia and/or meningitis at time of diagnosis; when used in combination neutrophil indexes and CRP even improved the sensitivity of a single laboratory screening test.