Pancreatic stone protein as a novel marker for neonatal sepsis

Abstract

Background: Early-onset sepsis is one of the main causes for admission of newborns to the neonatal intensive care unit. Traditional markers are inadequate for identification of early-onset sepsis. Pancreatic stone protein is a promising sepsis marker in adults with limited studies in neonatal population. The aim of this study was to assess value of pancreatic stone protein as a novel sepsis biomarker in diagnosis of early onset neonatal sepsis in neonates. Methods: This was case control study with 90 newborn infants were involved. They were admitted to Al-Zahraa University hospital with diagnosis of early-onset sepsis. The cases were allocated into 2 groups, group (1) the early-onset sepsis group and group (2) control group of normal newborn infants who had no sepsis. Results: Pancreatic stone protein was significantly higher in early-onset sepsis group than control group with 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value at cut off point>133.8 pg/ml and cut off value of 125.6 pg/ml for preterm infant. There was statistically significant increase of Pancreatic stone protein among non-survival cases. There was correlation between Pancreatic stone protein and weight, I/T ratio, Immature myeloid series, Pco2, bicarbonate, urea, Töllner score and haematological score. Conclusions: Our findings advocate that role of Pancreatic stone protein as a valuable marker in diagnosis of neonatal early-onset sepsis. Pancreatic stone protein has high sensitivity and specificity, it may empower the neonatologist for safe care and judicious use of antibiotic. Pancreatic stone protein may assist in distinguishing the serious cases that may have bad prognosis.