Abstract :
Introduction: Early diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis continues to remain a significant global health challenge. The commonly studied biomarkers of sepsis include CRP, TNF-?, PCT, SAA and other acute-phase reactants, each having contradictory outcomes.
Aim & Objectives: To determine the levels of SAA protein in Neonatal Sepsis, to correlate SAA levels with CRP and blood culture and to evaluate the role of SAA as a marker of Neonatal Sepsis.
Materials and Methods: A hospital based prospective cohort study was carried out on 90 neonates ?28 weeks gestational age with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis. Serum sample was collected for estimation of SAA and CRP at the onset of clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis prior to start of antibiotic therapy.
Results: The study subjects were grouped based on the blood culture report into Culture-positive (n=40) and Culture-negative (n=50) groups. SAA showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of 95%, 82%, 81%, and 95% respectively when compared to CRP which showed 92.5%, 10%, 45.12% & 62.5% respectively. Platelet count showed highest specificity of 92%.
Conclusion: The above findings support the use of SAA in the diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis.
Keyword :
SAA, Neonatal Sepsis, CRP, Haematological parameters in neonatal sepsis