Evaluation of Role of CXCR4 as A Marker in Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

SUMMARY S epsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the newborn, particularly in preterm and low birth weight infants. Despite advances in neonatal care, infections remain common and sometimes life-threatening in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In newborn, neonatal sepsis can be categorized as early or late onset,according to time of onset (Rubarth, 2010). Late-Onset Sepsis (lOS) occurs at 4-90 days of life and is acquired from the care giving environment (Anderson, 2012). Despite extensive investigation, no single test meets the criteria that would make it an ideal marker for early diagnosis of sepsis in the newborn. Generally, screening includes a complete blood count with differential and may be accompanied by other adjuvant tests such as a C-reactive protein (CRP). Neonatal blood culture positive rates have been found to range from 25-54% and takes at least 48-72 hours to decrease results. CXCR4 belongs to the family of cytokines which is called alpha-chemokine, chemokines are chemotacti