Serum Calprotectin as a New Marker for Diagnosing Sepsis in Newborns
Author Information
Author(s): Gianluca Terrin, Annalisa Passariello, Francesco Manguso, Gennaro Salvia, Luciano Rapacciuolo, Francesco Messina, Francesco Raimondi, Roberto Berni Canani
Primary Institution: University of Rome “La Sapienza”
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the diagnostic utility of serum calprotectin in very low birth weight newborns with suspected sepsis.
Conclusion
Serum calprotectin is an accurate marker of sepsis in very low birth weight newborns.
Supporting Evidence
- Serum calprotectin levels were significantly higher in septic newborns compared to noninfected subjects and healthy controls.
- The diagnostic accuracy of serum calprotectin was greater than that of traditional markers of sepsis.
- Calprotectin showed a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 96% for diagnosing sepsis.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance called calprotectin in the blood can help doctors tell if very small newborns have a serious infection called sepsis.
Methodology
A multicenter, prospective study involving newborns with a birth weight <1500 g and a postnatal age >72 hours, comparing serum calprotectin levels with traditional sepsis markers.
Potential Biases
Some patients diagnosed with sepsis had negative microbiological examinations, which could lead to misclassification.
Limitations
The study only included very low birth weight infants and excluded those with asphyxia or critical conditions, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Newborns with a birth weight <1500 g, gestational age >24 weeks, and postnatal age >72 hours.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 21.6–1255.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website