International Journal of Tropical Medicine
ISSN: Online 1818-779XISSN: Print 1816-3319
Abstract
Sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity Diagnosis of sepsis in neonates is challenging due to overlapping of signs and symptoms. Currently blood culture and sepsis screen are used for diagnosis. Blood culture is the gold standard but its usefulness is limited due to low positivity, delay in reporting. Sepsis screen has variable sensitivity and specificity. To overcome these limitations, neutrophil‐ lymphocyte ratio can be used in diagnosis. To assess neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio as a marker of neonatal sepsis. To calculate sensitivity and specificity of NLR in diagnosing neonatal sepsis. This case‐control study was conducted from June 202‐2022 in NICU of tertiary care center, Karnataka. 198 Neonates with signs and symptoms of sepsis and/or risk factors of sepsis were included. Weight and gestational age matched 198 healthy neonates served as control. Investigations include Complete blood count, blood culture and sepsis screen were sent. NLR was compared between cases and controls. Sensitivity and specificity of NLR was calculated. Data of both the groups were compared using independent t‐test. ROC was used to derive the cut off of NLR. Demographic details are homogenous in both cases and control group. Mean NLR in cases is 2.6+/‐1.5 and in controls is 1.3+/‐0.2. On comparing mean NLR between cases and controls statistically significant difference is noted with p<0.001. The area under curve (AUC) for NLR in diagnosing neonatal sepsis was 0.83. The NLR cut off of >1.5 had sensitivity of 78.8%, specificity of 75.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 76.5% and negative predictive value of 78.1% This study demonstrated strong correlation between NLR and neonatal sepsis. To conclude, NLR is cheaper and widely available markers in diagnosing neonatal sepsis with resource limited setting.
How to cite this article:
Dasara Gururaju, R. Akhila and R. Ramu. Evaluation of Neutrophil‐Lymphocyte Ratio as a Marker for Sepsis in Neonates: A Case Control Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makijtm.2024.2.45.49
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-3319/10.59218/makijtm.2024.2.45.49