[Clinical and laboratory parameters in neonatal nosocomial sepsis]

Assess if certain clinical and laboratorial data are associated with Neonatal Nosocomial Sepsis (NNS).

From March to June 2003, 343 premature neonates (PN) with clinical data suggestive of NNS were recruited; 60 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were studied. Laboratory tests included two blood cultures from different peripheral veins, complete blood count (CBC), serial C reactive protein (CRP), and buffy coat (BC) smear stained with acridine orange. Clinical data and laboratory test results were compared among neonates with and without pathogenic bacteria isolated in the blood culture. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests (chi2), odds ratios (OR), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values.

In 35/60 (58.3%) PN, a pathogenic bacteria was isolated in blood cultures. We did not identify signs and symptoms significantly associated with SNN. Thrombocytopenia (chi2 4.8 d.f. 1; p = 0.03; OR: 3.2, C.I. 95% 1.1-9.6); positive CRP (chi2 9.1 d.f. 1; p = 0.003; OR: 15.1 C.I. 95%. 1.7-130.6), and positive buffy coat smear (chi2 6.7 d.f. 1; p = 0.009; OR: 11 C.I. 95% 1.3-91.9) were associated with NNS. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Serratia marcescens were the most frequent isolated bacteria.

The present study did not identify signs and symptoms associated with NNS. Nevertheless, thrombocytopenia, positive CRP and positive buffy coat smear were considered adequate predictive factors.