Late-onset sepsis (LOS) is a substantial contributor to morbidity and mortality among neonates. The use of nonculture-based tools for early diagnosis is an area of active investigation. Therefore, we Show more
Late-onset sepsis (LOS) is a substantial contributor to morbidity and mortality among neonates. The use of nonculture-based tools for early diagnosis is an area of active investigation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum interleukin-27 (IL-27) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in full-term neonates with LOS. In this single-center, cross-sectional study, 90 full-term newborns were assigned to two equal-matched groups as follows: (1) culture-proven sepsis and (2) control groups. Clinical data and laboratory findings as complete blood pictures, including MPV, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, and blood culture results, were recorded. Moreover, IL-27 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-27 levels (median = 4,364 pg/mL) and MPV (mean = 12.02 ± 1.54 FL) were significantly higher in the culture-proven sepsis group than in the control group ( IL-27 and MPV are promising markers for the diagnosis of LOS in full-term neonates. The diagnostic performance of IL-27 was superior to MPV. · Late-onset neonatal sepsis diagnosis is time consuming.. · Nonculture-based rapid diagnostic tests are much needed.. · IL-27 is superior in LOS diagnosis to MPV.. Show less