Evaluation of mannose-binding lectin serum level in prediction of neonatal sepsis

Abstract

Background Despite improved neonatal care over the past decades, infections remain common and sometimes life threatening in neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU. Neonatal sepsis has the highest morbidity and mortality. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum level as a marker for prediction of neonatal sepsis. Patients and methods This prospective case-control study was conducted on 90 neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU. The 90 neonates were divided into two groups: the patient group and the control group. The patient group included 45 cases with neonatal sepsis and the control group included 45 healthy neonates. Serum levels of MBL were measured by immunoassay. The results were tabulated and analyzed with SPSS. Results Serum MBL levels were significantly lower in the neonates with sepsis than in the control group (0.455 ± 0.245 vs. 1.212 ± 0.249 μg/ml; P Conclusion and key messages MBL serum level could be considered a sensitive and specific marker for prediction of neonatal sepsis. Neonates with significant decrease in MBL are at increased risk for developing sepsis and septic shock.