title: Diagnostic markers for neonatal sepsis: comparing C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and immunoglobulin M.
abstract: This clinical study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), interlekin-6 (IL-6) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The diagnostic values of each marker separately or in combinations were evaluated. The optimal cut-off values of each marker in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis were defined. Between December 2004 and March 2005, a total of 78 neonates at different ages with different diagnoses in a neonatal intensive care unit in North Jordan were enrolled. Patients were classified into 'sepsis' group, 'probable sepsis' group and 'no sepsis' group. Blood samples were collected for CRP, IL-6 and IgM determination. A CRP value of 5 mg/l was the best among the three parameters with 95% sensitivity and 98% negative predictive value. Combination between parameters was helpful in enhancing the ability to diagnose sepsis. The best combination was CRP > or = 5 mg/l and/or IgM of > or =20 mg/dl. We conclude that CRP, IL-6 and IgM are helpful in the early diagnosis of Gram-negative neonatal sepsis. However, CRP continues to be the best single test. The use of both CRP and IgM in combination was the most helpful in predicting Gram-negative neonatal sepsis. We speculate a significant role of this combination in making decisions regarding antibiotics treatment and upgrading the level of medical care and observation in a setting where Gram-negative micro-organisms are causing the majority of neonatal infections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khassawneh
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Hayajneh
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kofahi
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Khader
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Amarin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Daoud
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D007597:Jordan; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein