Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare soluble CD14 (sCD14) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels with other laboratory data for early diagnosis of sepsis.

Methods: In this study, leukocyte counts were measured by the hemacytometric method, CRP and hs-CRP levels by the nephelometric method, and sCD14 levels by ELISA in blood samples from 27 (16 male and 11 female) babies in the Newborn Clinic. Blood cultures were performed using BACTEC 9050 automated blood culture system. Töllner sepsis scores were calculated according to defined clinical and laboratory findings for newborns. The local Ethics Committee approved the study and informed consent was obtained from the parents of all participating infants. Infants with any congenital malformation were excluded from the study. 

Results: The most common symptoms, with which 74% (20/27) of the babies presented, were refusal of food, followed by lethargy and jaundice. The blood culture was positive in 4 of 13 babies with sepsis. Instantaneous measurement of CRP was positive in 7 of 13 babies with sepsis and significant statistical correlation was demonstrated. In 12 babies with a sepsis pre-diagnosis, hsCRP was found positive (p<0.003), and sCD14 was found positive in all 13 babies (clinically correlated relationship; p<0.001). Specificity and sensitivity for sCD14, hsCRP, and CRP tests were 100 and 57%, 93 and 64%, 54 and 100%, respectively. 

Conclusions: We observed a correlation between clinical features and sCD14 and hsCRP levels in neonatal sepsis. Therefore, they may contribute to the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.