Publication: Neutrophil Counts in Hospitalised VLBW and ELBW Neonates – A Prospective Observational Study
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Early onset sepsis (EOS) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in new born babies with diagnostic challenges. The role of neutrophil count in EOS in neonates has been studied extensively but with varying results.
Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted among VLBW neonates admitted in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between October 2014 to June 2016. Complete blood count (CBC) was carried out for all neonates enrolled in the study. Our primary objective was to study the neutrophil count in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Our secondary objectives were to study the total leucocyte count (TLC) along with neutrophil count on day one in neonates with EOS and to study neutrophil count in VLBW neonates born to mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).
Results: Among 175 neonates, 92(52.6%) were males and 83(47.4%) were females. The mean birth weight was 1105 ± 241 gm. Neutropenia was observed among 10 neonates on day 1 with a mean neutrophil count of 791.2 ± 315.8/µL. Neutrophilia was observed among 27 neonates on day 1 with a mean neutrophil count of 9054.2±3361.4/ µL. Four out of 10 neonates with neutropenia on day 1 had EOS in comparison with 18 out of 165 neonates without neutropenia and the results were statistically significant (p=0.024). However, there was no significant association between PIH and neutrophil count.
Conclusions: Neutrophil count is a valuable indicator of sepsis among VLBW neonates. Low neutrophil count has significant association with EOS among VLBW neonates.
Description
Adusumilli Venkata Naga Raja
Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Kanumuri Hospitals, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Jayashree Purkaystha
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India-576104
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9754-1756
Sandesh Kini B
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. PIN-576104
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6250-2968
Leslie Edward Lewis
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India-576104
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3467-6821
Ramesh Bhat Y
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India-576104
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2919-6361
Keywords
Leukopenia, Low birth weight, Neutropenia, Neonates, Sepsis