Evaluation of Neutrophil CD64 as an Indicator of Neonatal Sepsis 1427

Abstract

The type I Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G (CD64) is a membrane glycoprotein expressed by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Prior studies suggest that increased expression of CD64 may occur during states of acute infection, and therefore may be useful as an early indicator of incipient sepsis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether neutrophil CD64 expression correlated with subclinical and/or overt sepsis in neonates. All neonates admitted to Wilford Hall Medical Center between 1 April 1996 and 31 January 1997 who were being evaluated for suspected sepsis were eligible for this study. After parental consent, blood was obtained at the time of sepsis evaluation and 12-24 hours later, and flow cytometry for neutrophil CD64 expression was performed. Patients were assigned to one of six groups based on clinical status and blood culture results. Group definitions are summarized in the table below.