Diagnostic Values of Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in the Early Diagnosis of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis in Full-term Newborns

Background: Neonatal sepsis is regarded as one of the major health problems throughout the world. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio [NLR] ratios as well as Platelet to Lymphocyte ratio [PLR] are simple, low cost and easily calculated biomarkers that may be employed for earlier diagnosing of neonatal sepsis. Aim of the work: The present study aims for the assessment of the Platelet to Lymphocyte ratio [PLR] as well as the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio [NLR] in full-term neonates with early-onset sepsis [EOS], and its impact on management.Patients and Methods: The study involved 50 full-term neonates divided into two groups; patients’ group included 30 full-term neonates, diagnosed with EOS [positive blood culture] compared with control group which included 20 healthy full-term neonates.Results: The study showed no significant difference between cases and controls as regards demographic data. Patients with early-onset sepsis showed significant elevation of absolute neutrophil counts, NLR, PLR, C-reactive protein, in comparison with the control group. Positive predictive value [PPV] of NLR was 99%, PLR was 73%.Conclusion: NLR and PLR are predictive reliable markers in diagnosing and detecting early onset neonatal sepsis. NLR and PLR showed higher specificity results compared to CRP.