Total Neutrophil Cell Counts Research Articles

Prognostic value of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in children with congenital heart defects and open-heart surgery

To assess whether preoperative and postoperative plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predict postoperative outcome of open-heart surgery in children. A prospective observational study was conducted with 40 children with congenital heart defects who were undergoing elective open-heart surgery. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP, troponin T, lactate, C-reactive protein, and total neutrophil cell counts were measured before, during, and 1 and 3 hours after the end of cardiopulmonary bypass grafting (CPB). Outcomes were assessed by means of the kind, dosage, and duration of inotropic drug use during the postoperative period, lactate concentrations, and the duration of mechanical ventilation. Preoperative levels of NT-proBNP were significantly increased irrespective of the type of congenital heart defect and the age of the patient. Preoperative NT-proBNP levels were higher in patients receiving prolonged postoperative inotropic drug therapy (r = 0.56, P = .0003). By means of multivariate analysis with the duration of inotropic therapy as the dependent variable, a significant impact of preoperative NT-proBNP levels, the presence of a cyanotic heart defect, the risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score, duration of CPB time, and postoperative lactate levels were demonstrated (R squared = 76.8%, P <.0001). Preoperative NT-proBNP levels were associated with complicated postoperative outcome in children who underwent low-risk open-heart surgery. This marker may therefore be a useful tool in risk stratification of patients with congenital heart defects.

Serum Concentrations of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Healthy Term and Preterm Neonates and in Those With Various Diseases Including Bacterial Infections

The neonate is uniquely susceptible to severe and overwhelming bacterial infections. One of the most important deficits in the neonatal host defense system seems to be a quantitative and qualitative deficiency of the myeloid and the phagocytic system. Future optimal therapy of neonatal sepsis may include the use of adjuvant immunologic therapy. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to induce neutrophilia and to enhance mature effector neutrophil function. To evaluate the role of G-CSF with respect to infection, we examined serum levels of G-CSF in term and preterm neonates, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. G-CSF levels in healthy neonates showed peak levels up to 7 hours after birth, followed by an increase in total neutrophil cell (TNC) counts. Both G-CSF levels determined between 4 and 7 hours after birth and peak TNC counts correlated with the gestational age of the neonates. The state of nutrition, maternal treatment with glucocorticoids, maternal infection and hypertension, and the mode of delivery influenced peak G-CSF levels. Neonates with signs of infection between 4 and 7 hours after birth had higher levels of G-CSF than did healthy neonates (1,312 +/- 396 pg/mL v 176 +/- 19 pg/mL). In conclusion, the presented results of serum concentrations of G-CSF in relation to TNC counts and various diseases suggests an important role of G-CSF in the regulation of granulopoiesis during the neonatal period.

Serum concentrations of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in healthy term and preterm neonates and in those with various diseases including bacterial infections

The neonate is uniquely susceptible to severe and overwhelming bacterial infections. One of the most important deficits in the neonatal host defense system seems to be a quantitative and qualitative deficiency of the myeloid and the phagocytic system. Future optimal therapy of neonatal sepsis may include the use of adjuvant immunologic therapy. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to induce neutrophilia and to enhance mature effector neutrophil function. To evaluate the role of G-CSF with respect to infection, we examined serum levels of G-CSF in term and preterm neonates, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. G-CSF levels in healthy neonates showed peak levels up to 7 hours after birth, followed by an increase in total neutrophil cell (TNC) counts. Both G-CSF levels determined between 4 and 7 hours after birth and peak TNC counts correlated with the gestational age of the neonates. The state of nutrition, maternal treatment with glucocorticoids, maternal infection and hypertension, and the mode of delivery influenced peak G-CSF levels. Neonates with signs of infection between 4 and 7 hours after birth had higher levels of G-CSF than did healthy neonates (1,312 +/- 396 pg/mL v 176 +/- 19 pg/mL). In conclusion, the presented results of serum concentrations of G-CSF in relation to TNC counts and various diseases suggests an important role of G-CSF in the regulation of granulopoiesis during the neonatal period.