Abstract

Background:Neonatal septicemia is a clinical syndrome characterized by signs and symptoms of infection with accompanying bacteremia in the first month of life. Despite continuing advances in diagnosis and treatment, it remains one of the important causes of higher mortality and morbidity.Aim of our study is to evaluate the changes of platelet count and indices (MPV, PDW) in neonatal sepsis.
Materials and Methods: It is a prospective crossectional study conducted in Tertiary health center (PRATHIMA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES) in the DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY in colloboration with neonatology section over a time period of 7 months from January to August 2019.Using convenient sampling method, 100 neonates with sepsis and 100 normal neonates without any medical problems, as the control group were selected. Weight and gestational age matched healthy neonates without any infectious disease served as control. The groups were compared for age, WBC count, neutrophil count, platelet count, PDW AND MPV.
Results: In our study out of 100 cases, early onset sepsis was present in 30 cases, while late onset neonatal sepsis was present in 70 cases.40 neonates showed culture positivity and the remaining 60 showed culture negative sepsis. Statistically significant correlation of MPV with platelet count(high MPV in thrombocytopenic neonates) and outcome. Significant difference in PDW in thrombocytopenic neonates and non-thrombocytopenic neonates. Neonates with sepsis have significantly increased MPV, PDW compared to healthy neonates.
Conclusion: Platelet count and indices can be used as early diagnostic markers in neonatal sepsis. Neonates with sepsis have significantly increased MPV, PDW compared to healthy neonates. Platelet indices are inexpensive and easily available tests can be routinely performed for all neonates suspected to be in sepsis.