Background: Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Severe sepsis is defined as sepsis plus one of the following: Cardiovascular organ dysfunction OR acute respiratory distress syndrome OR two or more other organ dysfunctions (renal, neurologic, hematologic, or hepatic).
Aim and objectives: the main aim of this study was to evaluate the level of serum ferritin in neonatal sepsis as a diagnostic tool.
Materials and Methods: This prospective case control NICU of Al-Hussein and Bab El-Shaeryia Hospitals Al-Azhar University by simple random method after obtaining written informed consent from the parents or guardians. Detailed history regarding symptoms, past/medical history was collected from parents/ relatives. All neonates underwent anthropometric measurements, detailed general/systemic examination. Relevant laboratory investigations were done at admission, such as total white blood cells count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count and serum ferritin levels. Bl.,sputum., c.s.f., &urine cultures were done when indicated.
Results: In the present study 90 neonate satisfying study criteria were studied, 60 as patient group &30 as healthy control group. The mean age in case group was (8.63±6.106 ms).and in control group (9.63±4.042 ms). With insignificant difference. According to S. Ferritin correlation with lab. parameters there was no significant correlation with WBCs, HB and Platelets, (p-value=0.230, 0.213, 0,480,) respectively. On the other hand, there was a significant correlation with ESR and CRP (p-value=0.001). Also, there was statistically significant CORRELATION between serum ferritin and blood, sputum cultures (p-value=0.001.
Conclusion: serum ferritin is a sensitive predictor of N. sepsis in neonates with sensitivity 93%, specificity 87%, negative predictive value 88.9% and positive predictive value 92.3%. Hence, it should be included in the septic screening of newborns.