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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Mannose-binding lectin serum levels in neonatal sepsis and septic shock
Walid Abdel Wahab Mohamed1, Mohamed Abdullatif Saeed
1Department of Pediatrics, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. walidabdo2020@gmail.com
Objective:
To evaluate mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum levels as a marker for predicting sepsis, septic shock, and their outcomes in neonates.
Patients And Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on 62 neonates (27 preterm and 35 full term) with culture-proven sepsis and 35 controls. Serum levels of MBL were measured by immunoassay.
Results:
Of 62 infants with positive blood cultures (Gram-negative = 44 and Gram-positive = 18), 11 infants had severe sepsis and 6 neonates developed septic shock. MBL levels were significantly lower in infants with sepsis than in control group (0.39 ± 0.07 vs. 1.34 ± 0.03 μg/ml; p < 0.001). The lowest MBL levels were detected in those infants with septic shock, particularly those who died (p < 0.05). MBL had high sensitivity (96.7), specificity (97.1), positive (98.3), and negative (94.4) predictive values to detect sepsis.
Conclusion:
Low MBL serum levels could be considered as sensitive and specific marker for predicting sepsis, septic shock, and their clinical outcomes in newborn infants.
