The Utility of Early Onset Sepsis Calculator and Procalcitonin in Prediction of Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Objectives: Neonatal sepsis refers to an infection involving blood stream in newborn infants less than 28 days old. It continues to remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among infants, especially in middle and lower-income countries. Early onset sepsis (EOS) occurs before 72 hours. This study was designed to appraise the diagnostic and predictive role of proclcitonin and the role EOS calculator in tailoring the management of EOS and comparing between the ability of EOS calculator and Procalcitonin in Prediction of Early Onset Sepsis. Methods: This cross sectional study included 56 neonates with suspect EOS and other 16 healthy controls (age and sex matched). They were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination and assessment of procalcitonin and EOS calculator score. Results: procalcitonin showed significant higher levels in neonates with EOS than healthy controls(P<0.001). Also, the EOS calculator were significantly higher in neonates with EOS (P<0.001). Conclusion: The present investigation provides a distinct evidence for the prominence of EOS burden. The EOS calculator aided in early detection with subsequent proper management of EOS. The EOS calculator provides a non invasive tool for detection of EOS.