Abstract
Objective
Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study aimed to contribute to the research on whether mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) can be used as diagnostic markers of early-onset neonatal infection (EONI).
Methods
This case-control study was conducted with 78 neonates diagnosed with EONI compared with 78 healthy controls in the neonatal care unit of the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Vietnam, from October 2021 to September 2022. All neonates were assessed for maternal risk factors and by clinical examination. The complete blood count including white blood cells, platelets, MPV, and PDW was performed before antibiotic treatment.
Results
A total of 156 neonates were included in the study. MPV and PDW were significantly higher in the EONI group (10.09 ± 0.65 fL and 10.66 ± 1.22%, respectively) compared to the control group (9.73 ± 0.75 fL and 10.19 ± 1.16%; P <.05). An MPV of 10.0 fL was determined as the predictive cut-off value for EONI (sensitivity 67.7%; specificity 69.2%; Area Under the Curve [AUC] 0.636; P =.003). A PDW of 11.2% was determined as the predictive cut-off value for EONI (sensitivity 63.3%; specificity 87.2%, AUC 0.603; P <.05).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that MPV and PDW can be considered adjuvant predictors along with WBC and PLT to establish the early diagnosis of EONI.
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