Significance of platelet parameters in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Abstract

Background: The gold standard test for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is blood culture, even though no single laboratory test has 100% sensitivity and specificity. The diagnosis of sepsis cannot be made with a single test or any particular combination of testing methods. Therefore, it's necessary to identify diagnostic indicators that are both practical and affordable for every healthcare facility, while also having adequate sensitivity and specificity. This study aims to evaluate the role of platelet indices in diagnosing neonatal sepsis. Methods: A prospective, case-control study was conducted over 12 months at the Al-Kadhymiah Pediatric Hospital in Baghdad. It involves comparing 82 neonates with sepsis to 82 healthy controls. Basic investigations were sent before commencing antibiotic treatment and compared between both groups. Results: The only factor that differed significantly between the two groups was the type of pregnancy, in which 18.29% of neonates with sepsis were from multiple pregnancies compared with only 7.32% of normal neonates with such pregnancies, with a significant difference. Total platelet count was significantly lower (p=0.021) while mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width were considerably higher in the case group than in the control group (p<0.001). Blood culture was positive in 45 neonates (54.88%), and Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated bacteria. Conclusion: Neonates with sepsis have significantly lower platelet count and higher levels of the mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width. Platelet parameters are easily obtained from the complete blood count and could be used as adjuvant indices to diagnose neonatal sepsis.