Thymic Index as a Parameter For Evaluation of Neonatal Sepsi

Abstract

Thyn1us gland is a Complex organ that plays an important role in the body defence against infection by providing T.cell maturation and differentiation. Ultrasound is capable of demonstrating intrathymic anatomy including medulla, cortex, septa and blood vessels, and proved to be the most accurate and applicable means for assessment of thymic size, by measuring the Thymic index. The aim of this study is to evaluate Thymic index by ultrasonography in neonatal sepsis compared with normal neonates. Our study included thirty normal neonates during the first month of life as well as thit1y neonates have proven to have septicaen1ia. The studied neonates ·were subjected to careful history taking and clinical examination with special en1phasis on anthropometric measurements and clinical signs suggestive of sepSIS. Chest ultrasonography was done for every individual using the suprasternal approach to detect the tnaximum longitudinal and vertical diameters. These tv'.o measurements were multiplied and registered as the Thymic index (used as an indicator of Thymic size). Venous Blood sampling were taking frorn each subject for blood picture and blood culture. The results were coJiccted and statistically analyzed.