Secretory phospholipase A(2) in newborn infants with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) activity in neonatal sepsis.

STUDY

DESIGN

Plasma sPLA(2) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, leukocyte count and immature/total neutrophil (I/T) ratio were assessed in a group of 156 infants admitted for neonatal intensive care, who were classified as documented sepsis (n=24), suspected infection (n=77) and controls (n=55). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were assessed in a subgroup (n=29).

RESULT: sPLA(2) activity, CRP concentration and I/T ratio were higher in sepsis than in suspected infection or control groups. sPLA(2) activity advanced with increasing CRP, I/T ratio and IL-6 was highest in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Compared to CRP, sPLA(2) had equal sensitivity and lower specificity. Compared to I/T ratio, sensitivity and specificity of sPLA(2) were higher.

CONCLUSION

Plasma sPLA(2) activity is increased in neonatal sepsis and highest in infants with RDS. Further studies should assess the potential of sPLA(2) inhibition in neonatal sepsis.