Study of immature granulocytes to total granulocytes ratio for detection of early onset neonatal sepsis

Introduction: Based on the onset of events, the most common neonatal sepsis is early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), which occurs within the first 72 hours of life. Blood culture is the gold standard for EONS, but this examination takes a long time to provide the results. However, the latest method is obtained to determine the immature to total granulocyte ratio. Aims and Objectives 1. To calculate the immature granulocyte to total granulocyte ratio. 2. To interpret the significance of immature to total granulocyte ratio (ImG/Tg) for detection of early onset neonatal sepsis. Materials and Methods: 120 neonates admitted in tertiary care hospital with clinical suspicion of EONS were included in this study. 2ml EDTA venous blood from neonates after the consent of their parents. This blood was subjected to analysis of complete hemogram on fully automated Hematology analyzer (Horiba Yumizen S2500). Data is presented in numbers and in percentage. ImG/Tg Ratio obtained from the simple formula of: Immature granulocyte count x 100 Total granulocyte count Conclusion: It is recommended ImG/Tg ratio > 0.2 is very useful, rapid and cost-effective investigation in early detection of EONS before the culture and sensitivity results. Antibiotic resistance and side effects are avoided by not using antibiotics unnecessary.