Re-visiting micro ESR as a screening tool for neonatal sepsis

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
• Current diagnostic methods can have limitations in speed and sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of micro-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (micro-ESR) as an early diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis.
• To determine the optimal cutoff value for micro-ESR in identifying sepsis in neonates with suspected early-onset infection.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of neonates (>34 weeks gestation, appropriate for gestational age) with suspected early-onset sepsis was enrolled.
• Standard sepsis screening and blood cultures were performed within 4 hours of admission.
• The sensitivity of micro-ESR for detecting positive blood cultures was calculated, and the Area Under Curve (AUC) was used to determine the best cutoff.

Main Results:

• The study assessed the diagnostic performance of micro-ESR in neonates.
• The sensitivity of micro-ESR in detecting neonatal sepsis was determined.
• An optimal cutoff value for micro-ESR was established using AUC analysis.

Conclusions:

• Micro-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (micro-ESR) demonstrates potential as a valuable tool for the early detection of neonatal sepsis.
• The established micro-ESR cutoff value can aid clinicians in the timely diagnosis and management of sepsis in newborns.