The role of nCD64 in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis in preterm newborns.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing neonatal sepsis is difficult, particularly in preterm newborns. A promising method appears to be evaluation of cell surface markers by flow cytometry.

METHODS: This prospective study investigated 217 newborns suspected of having early- or late-onset neonatal sepsis. In all, flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of CD64-positive neutrophils (nCD64). Based on the clinical course and laboratory test results, newborns were categorized as having proven, possible, clinical or no neonatal sepsis. Subsequently, associations between the categories and nCD64 values were analyzed.

RESULTS: There were significant associations between nCD64 values and the development of sepsis in newborns with both early- or late-onset sepsis.

CONCLUSION: nCD64expression is significantly elevated in preterm newborn with early and late onset sepsis. The results show that nCD64 is a reliable marker for diagnosing neonatal sepsis.