Background: Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis is essential, but no single marker of infection has been identified. sPLA2 is an acute phase reactant which plays a major role in inflammatory diseases by controlling extracellular eicosanoid production. sPLA2 can destroy bacteria through hydrolysis of their membrane lipids, and disturb surfactant function through hydrolysis of their phospholipid bilayer.
Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of serum Phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) in cases of late onset neonatal sepsis.
Subjects and methods: This prospective study was conducted on 60 neonates, admitted in NICU of Bab El-sheria, hospitals Al-Azhar University. From March 2022 to August 2022 and followed up in the neonatal intensive care unit in the same hospital. Neonates were divided into 2 groups, Group I (septic group):30 neonates with late onset neonatal sepsis, divided into two subgroups, subgroups I A→ 15 preterm neonates and subgroups I B→15 full-term neonates. Group II (nonseptic group):30 neonates with no clinical signs or laboratory evidence of sepsis, divided into two subgroups, subgroups Group II A→ 15 preterm neonates and subgroups II B→15 full-term neonates.
Result: There was increase in concentration of sPLA2 in patient groups of preterm and full term (p < 0.001) and There was high positive significant correlation between sPLA2 and I/T ratio and CRP, while there was high negative significant correlation between sPLA2 and PLT.
Conclusion: serum phospholipase A2 activity is increased in late onset neonatal sepsis and had a higher sensitivity and specificity than CRP& I/T ratio.