Evaluation of Platelet Indices and Sepsis Markers in Neonates with Different Types of Sepsis

Sepsis in neonates was the main reason for morbidity and mortality globally, primarily in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) approximates that sepsis affects approximately 3 million neonates annually, causing about 750,000 deaths. Platelet indices such as Platelet Crit distribution width (PCT), Platelet Width Volume (PWV), and Mean Platelet Distribution (MPD) were considered major biomarkers for diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate the alterations in platelet indices and septic markers (CRP) in neonates with sepsis as compared to established reference values. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in the Children's Hospital and University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, from November 2023 to February 2024. 57 neonates of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were sampled. Platelet indices, including PCT, PDW, MPV, and C-reactive protein (CRP), were measured using automated hematology analyzers. Data were analyzed by using SPSS V-23.0. One sample T-test was used to compare the means with the reference value. Results: The mean platelet count was significantly lower. MPV and PDW were significantly elevated in neonates with sepsis compared to the reference value, while PCT was considerably lower. CRP levels were significantly elevated in neonates with sepsis. Conclusions: This study concluded that platelet indices and CRP levels were valued biomarkers for diagnosing and treating neonatal sepsis. These well-established inflammatory markers suggest a strong systemic inflammatory response typically associated with sepsis.