Comparison Between Pathogen Associated Laboratory and Clinical Parameters in Early-Onset Sepsis of the Newborn.

OBJECTIVES

To identify laboratory and clinical characteristics of different pathogens associated with early-onset sepsis (EOS) of the newborn.

METHODS

Newborns with EOS were retrospectively analyzed regarding laboratory and clinical parameters associated with the identified pathogen.

RESULTS

We identified 125 newborns having diagnosis of culture proven EOS between 1993 and 2011. One hundred cases had diagnosis of group B streptococci (GBS) infection (80%), 11 had Escherichia coli (8.8%), eight enterococci (6.4%), and six other pathogens (4.8%). White blood cell count (WBC), immature to total neutrophil (IT) ratio, and C-reactive protein (CRP) values did not differ between groups within the first 72 hours of life. Presence of high (>30000/µL) and low (<9000/µl) WBC was significantly less found compared with IT-ratio >0.2 in GBS and E.coli EOS. High WBC were more common found than low WBC in all groups. Gram positive pathogens were more common found in late preterm and term infants (84%), and gram negative pathogens more common in very low birth weight infants (64%). E. coli was significantly associated with lower gestational age and birth weight, respectively.

CONCLUSION

An abnormal IT-ratio was a more common finding than an abnormal WBC in GBS and E. coli EOS. E. coli was significantly associated with prematurity.