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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Diagnostic Performance of Mean Neutrophil Volume in Neonatal Sepsis
Santosh Kumar Panda1, T Jenith2, Nageswar Sahu3
1Department of Neonatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences KIIT DU, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Abstract:
This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of mean neutrophil volume (MNV) in culture-positive neonatal sepsis. MNV (index test), measured using an automated hematology analyzer, was compared to blood culture (reference test) in a study including 535 neonates; 86 were culture-positive sepsis, 192 were probable sepsis, and 257 were not septic. The median (Q1, Q3) MNV (fL) was higher in culture-positive septic neonates compared to non-septic neonates [154 (152, 157) vs. 136 (133, 143), P = 0.001]. MNV > 151 fL diagnosed sepsis with 84.8% sensitivity, 89.4% specificity, 76% positive predictive value, and 94.7% negative predictive value with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.950 (95% CI 0.921, 0.971) suggesting it as a useful diagnostic tool for culture-positive neonatal sepsis.
Insights
Mean neutrophil volume (MNV) effectively diagnoses neonatal sepsis. This hematology parameter shows high sensitivity and specificity, aiding in early detection of infection in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is critical for effective treatment.
- Current diagnostic methods can be slow or lack sufficient sensitivity/specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of mean neutrophil volume (MNV) for culture-positive neonatal sepsis.
- To compare MNV against blood culture as a diagnostic tool.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 535 neonates was conducted.
- Mean neutrophil volume (MNV) was measured using an automated hematology analyzer.
- Blood culture served as the reference standard for sepsis diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Median MNV was significantly higher in culture-positive septic neonates (154 fL) compared to non-septic neonates (136 fL).
- An MNV threshold of >151 fL demonstrated 84.8% sensitivity and 89.4% specificity.
- The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.950, indicating strong diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Mean neutrophil volume is a valuable and accurate diagnostic marker for culture-positive neonatal sepsis.
- MNV offers a rapid and accessible tool to aid in the early identification of sepsis in newborns.
- Further integration of MNV into diagnostic algorithms may improve sepsis management in neonates.
