SERUM LACTOFERRIN IN NEONATAL SEPSIS

Abstract

Early-onset sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and it is difficult to diagnose as early clinical signs are often non-specific. Lactoferrin is released from the secondary granules of the neutrophil. granulocytes (PNL), so it can reflect granulocyte turnover rates in patients with bacterial infections (Tegtmyer et ' al., 1991). The aim of this study was to delineate the role of serum lactoferrin as a marker of neonatal sepsis and comparing it with other laboratory parameters. To • achieve this aim, our study was conducted on 20 full­ term septic neonates (GI) selected from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ain Shams University's Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital and 10 non septic (Gil) age and sex matched neonates serving as a control group. Ten of the septic group were followed up after treatment of their sepsis (Gia). All the studied groups were subjected to detailed history taking, thorough clinical examination and the following laboratory investigations: complete blood cell count, C-reactive protein, blood culture (only in the septic group), and serum level of lactoferrin by ELISA technique.