Haematological profile in clinically suspected cases of neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Neonatal septicemia is one of the major factors contributing to the high perinatal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in newborns and is recognized as global health challenge. Study was aimed the changes in hematological profile along with blood culture and C-reactive proteins in clinically suspected cases of neonatal sepsis. The present study were included 108 neonates clinically suspicious to have sepsis and admitted in NICU. Avacutainer, Glass slides, Leishman’s stain, Automated Hematology analyzer, Staining Kit was used. Maximum number of neonates i.e. 80 (74%) were less than 2 days old. 70 (64.82%) were males and 38 (35.18%) were females. Maximum number (53.70%) were preterm, respiratory distress seen in (76.11%) Premature rupture of membranes was observed in 39 (36.11%). The clinical suspicion of sepsis, 24 (22.22%) had proven sepsis. Rodwell’s hematological score of > 3 identified 23 out of 24 (95.83%) proven sepsis group neonates, 24 (88.89%) probable sepsis group neonates. Of the 108 neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis, 24 (22.22%) had positive blood cultures. The most common pathogen isolated in the blood culture was Klebsiella pneumonia in 12 (50%). Leucocytosis was seen in 4 (16.6%). The total WBC count has low sensitivity (37%) but a high specificity (96%) as indicator of sepsis. Elevated immature PMN count was observed (79.2%) Elevated. Thrombocytopenia was noted in 9 cases (37.5%) proven sepsis. Rodwell’s hematological scoring framework is a straightforward, speedy, financially savvy instrument which can be utilized as screening test for early conclusion of neonatal sepsis.