Study of hematological parameters in culture positive neonatal septicemia

Context: Neonatal septicemia refers to a generalized bacterial infection confirmed by a positive blood culture in the first 4 weeks of life. Two types of neonatal septicemia: Early onset neonatal septicemia (EONS) and Late onset neonatal septicemia (LONS). Aims and objectives: To evaluate variation in haematological parameters in neonatal septicemia; To study differences in parameters in EONS and LONS and its comparison with CRP for diagnosis. Material and methods: A total of 60 neonates with culture proven septicemia were studied in Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad, for period of 12 months. Haemoglobin, total count, differential count, toxic granules, band cells, immature(I) and mature(M) neutrophils, total(T) neutrophil count, platelet count and CRP were performed. Haematological Scoring System (HSS), formulated by Rodwell et al was applied. Results: Neonatal septicemia was more commonly seen in male sex (80%), preterm babies (55%) and low birth weight (<2.5 kg) babies (76.67%). Klebsiella pneumonia (28.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (25%) were the predominant isolated pathogens. Total nine patients died and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common pathogen isolated. Discussion: This study provides information on the value of several simple and cheap laboratory tests used singly or in combination to diagnose neonatal septicemia. Conclusion: Various hematological parameters can be easily performed and when properly interpreted along with their cut off value, as suggested in the study, it can aid in early recognition of neonatal septicemia.