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Complement components in neonatal sepsis
R P Singh1, S Thirupuram, V K Sharma
1Department of Paediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Neonatal sepsis diagnosis shows decreased complement C1q and factor B levels. While complement component C3 levels were unchanged, breakdown products (C3c, C3d) were present in sepsis patients, indicating complement activation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in neonates, necessitating accurate diagnostic and prognostic markers.
- The complement system plays a crucial role in innate immunity and is implicated in sepsis pathogenesis.
- Specific complement components and their activation products may serve as valuable biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of complement components (C3, C1q, factor B) and C3 breakdown products (C3c, C3d) in neonatal sepsis.
- To compare complement levels in neonates with proven sepsis against healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of complement components C3, C1q, and factor B using electroimmunodiffusion.
- Detection of C3 breakdown products (C3c, C3d) via counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP).
- Study included 24 neonates with proven sepsis and matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Neonates with sepsis exhibited significantly lower levels of C1q and factor B compared to controls.
- No statistically significant decrease in C3 levels was observed in septic neonates.
- C3 breakdown products (C3c, C3d) were detected in 58.3% of septic neonates but absent in healthy controls.
- The extent of complement component depression did not correlate with prognostic outcomes in neonatal sepsis.
Conclusions:
- Decreased C1q and factor B levels, along with the presence of C3 breakdown products, suggest complement system activation in neonatal sepsis.
- These complement alterations may aid in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
- Complement component levels lack prognostic value in this neonatal sepsis cohort.
Abstract:
Complement components C3, C1q, factor B and breakdown products of C3, i.e. C3c and C3d, were evaluated in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis in 24 neonates with proven sepsis. The complement components were measured by electroimmunodiffusion and breakdown products by counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). The babies with sepsis were found to have decreased levels of C1q and factor B as compared with suitably matched healthy controls. No statistically significant depression was observed in C3 levels of infected babies. However, breakdown products of C3, i.e. C3c and C3d, were detected in 58.3% of these babies. The breakdown products of C3 were not present in any of the healthy controls. The degree of depression of complement components was of no prognostic significance in neonatal sepsis.