Evaluation of hepcidin as a biomarker for neonatal sepsis

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate serum hepcidin as a biomarker for neonatal sepsis. Background Neonatal sepsis is one of the most important neonatal disorders frequently associated with high rate of mortality and morbidity. Hepcidin is the key iron regulator; the clear link between hepcidin and innate immunity may be used for detection of sepsis. Patients and methods This case–control study was carried out in the NICU of Menoufia University Hospital from April 2015 to October 2016. It was conducted on 60 neonates: 40 neonates admitted in NICU as they were suspected for neonatal sepsis based on clinical and hematological scores and 20 healthy outpatient neonates served as a control group. The newborn infants were both full term and preterm, and their ages ranged from 1 to 28 days. An informed consent was taken from the parents before their enrollment in the study. We evaluate the serum hepcidin level as a biomarker for neonatal sepsis; we compared the results of serum hepcidin regarding blood culture and C-reactive protein (CRP) in case and control groups. All participants were subjected to history taking, thoroughly clinical examination, and laboratory investigations (complete blood count, CRP, blood culture, and micro-erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and we measured the serum level of hepcidin in septic and control groups. Results Serum levels of hepcidin were significantly higher in neonates with sepsis than in healthy neonates. Serum levels of hepcidin were significantly correlated with blood culture results and CRP levels. After antibiotic therapy, the serum level of hepcidin was significantly decreased as compared with its pretreatment level. Conclusion Hepcidin – the key iron regulatory hormone –is a promising acute-phase reactant that may be a useful adjunct test aiding in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis. Use of hepcidin includes in early-onset sepsis as well as late-onset sepsis, in both full-term and preterm neonates.