Background: Neonatal sepsis is a clinical syndrome with a systemic sign and symptom of infection in the first 4 weeks of Life, sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, Free radical and reactive oxygen species ROS play An important role in the pathogenesis of neonatal sepsis, Melatonin is an endogenous substance produced from the pineal gland, Melatonin is a highly effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
Aim of work: Evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of neonatal sepsis as adjuvant therapy.
Design: A prospective case-control study that was carried out on 40 neonates with neonatal sepsis diagnosed clinically and laboratory, they were Enrolled from NICU of Bab-alsha'reya university hospital in the period from April 2019 to October 2019.
Patient and method: The Study included 40 neonates, divided by systemic random method into two groups,(Group 1) 20 neonates with sepsis received a single oral dose of melatonin in a dose of(20mg/day)as a single dose ,(Group2) 20 neonates with sepsis didn't receive melatonin, both groups received the same protocol of antibiotics of the unit, investigations were done included CBC and CRP before administration of melatonin and 48h after administration of melatonin in group 1, in group 2 CBC, CRP at 48h after administration of antibiotics.
Inclusion criteria: Any term or preterm with neonatal sepsis diagnosed clinically and laboratory, their weight less than 4kg.
Exclusion criteria: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), major congenital anomalies, Persistent vomiting, and septic shock.
Results: The study showed that serum parameter including (TLC, ANC, I/T ratio, platelets, and CRP) were similar in both group before administration of melatonin in group 1, while there was a significant difference in serum parameters, after 48h of starting administration of melatonin, so the present study showed that melatonin improves serum parameters and improve the clinical course of septic newborns.
Conclusion: The administration of melatonin as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of neonatal sepsis is associated with better prognosis and improves outcomes