Potential role of IFN-γ and IL-5 in sepsis prediction of preterm neonates

Not fully maturated immune system in preterm neonates may contribute to the increased susceptibility to infection. The levels of some cytokines can be useful in the prediction and diagnosis of sepsis in premature neonates. In the present study, we evaluated the potential predictive role of IFN-γ and IL-5 in cord and venous blood, together with the determination of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin (PCT) for sepsis development in premature neonates. A total of 80 participants were included. The laboratory results and clinical histories showed that 21 participants had sepsis. Early onset sepsis was detected in 3 patients while late onset sepsis was observed in 18 participants. The venous plasma levels of IFN-γ and PCT was markedly increased in sepsis groups when compared to the participants without sepsis. On the other hand, levels of IL-5 did not significantly change in the evaluated groups of sepsis and in the control group of participants. Simultaneously, plasma venous levels were not altered in any of the evaluated groups. Obtained findings suggest that venous plasma levels of IFN-γ, rather than levels of IFN-γ in cord blood plasma, and PCT may have predictive potential for sepsis development in preterm neonates. Further studies are necessary to get more comprehension of the complex function of cytokines for sepsis development in preterm neonates.