Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum NT-ProBNP in the Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal sepsis, it remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in the diagnosis and prognosis of neonatal sepsis.
METHODS: Fifty neonates diagnosed with clinical sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit were included in the study. The control group was composed of 50 healthy neonates.
RESULTS: As a result of the study, a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of NT-proBNP, C-reactive protein, leukocyte count, platelet count and I/M ratio (p<0.05). NT-proBNP level was 19624.1±15027.6 pg/mL in the case group, while it was 3203.8±4506.8 pg / ml in the control group. There was a positive correlation between NT-proBNP and neonatal sepsis in the case group. NT-proBNP measurements were found to be significant in differentiating neonatal sepsis. In the case group, 33 patients discharged with recovery, 17 patients died, and the mean NT-proBNP levels were 12732.2±12954.3 pg/mL and 35000 pg/ml, respectively. NT-proBNP levels were statistically significantly higher in died patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP levels should be measured in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and to determine the prognosis of patients diagnosed with neonatal sepsis. The use of NT-proBNP with other biomarkers helps the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Further multicenter, prospective studies with large samples are needed to identify NT-proBNP levels in the diagnosis and prognosis of neonatal sepsis.