EVALUATION OF SERUM GRANULOCYTE COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR, INTERLEUKIN -6 AND sCD14 FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF NEONATAL SEPTECIEMIA

Abstract

From this study we conclude the following:

• Infection in the neonate presents a diagnostic dilemma as the clinical presentation is non specific and there is no single reliable test for the early confinnation of definite sepsis.

• The lack of specificity of careful clinical and laboratory examination in detecting neonatal sepsis presents a daunting problem to clinicians. Because undiagnosed sepsis can lead to rapid deterioration and death, and because isolation of the causative organism from blood samples is insensitive and can take up to 48 hours, antibiotics are administered to neonates on the basis of nonspecific findings. As a result, considerable over hospitalization, overuse of antibiotics, and other inefficiencies are accepted as the only means to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates for neonatal sepsis. The increase pressure for cost containment and improved efficiency of medical care has sparked a renewed interest in methods that will improve the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis.

• Nosocomial infections play a very important role in the etiology of neonatal sepsis in our nurseries. Strict infection control procedures should be followed with stress on regular checkups and cultures from workers on neonatal units.