title: [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.
mesh_terms: D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein
vernacular_title: Frühdiagnostik der neonatalen Sepsis.