A hematologic scoring system and C-reactive protein compared to blood cultures for diagnosing bacterial neonatal sepsis
Abstract: Neonatal sepsis is
the leading cause of death after pneumonia. Definitive bacterial sepsis
diagnoses are made by blood culture results, which require a lengthy time.
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and a hematologic scoring system by Rodwell et al.
are rapid tests that may be useful for diagnosing neonatal sepsis.
Objective To determine the diagnostic value of CRP measurement and a
hematologic scoring system compared to blood culture as the gold standard for
diagnosing neonatal sepsis.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2015
in the Neonatology Ward of Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan. A total of 43
neonates who were clinically suspected to have sepsis underwent CRP,
hematologic scoring, and blood cultures. The IT ratio and procalcitonin indices
were also examined. Diagnostic values were analyzed by a 2x2 table.
Results Fourteen percent from all sample had positive bacterial culture.
The CRP measurements had a sensitivity of 92.8%, specificity of 62%, positive
predictive value (PPV) of 54.1%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.7%,
positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 2.44, and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of
0.11. The hematologic scoring system had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of
82.7%, PPV of 73.6%, NPV of 100%, PLR of 5.78, and NLR of 0. Procalcitonin and
IT ratio show a good value of sensitivity and NPV, respectively.
Conclusion The hematologic scoring system has better specificity than CRP
measurement as compared to blood culture. However, both tests have good
sensitivity for diagnosing neonatal sepsis.
Keywords: C-reactive protein;
hematologic scoring systems; neonatal sepsis
Author: Deddy Eka Febri
Liestiadi, Emil Azlin, Selvi Nafianti
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170124
