DO PERINATAL RISK FACTORS INFLUENCE THE SEVERITY OF INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN NEONATAL SEPSIS?

Objective. The objective of this study was to analyse data pertaining to anamnesis and perinatal risk factors in order to investigate the relationship between the course of neonatal sepsis and the severity of the inflammatory response in newborns. Through a scientific analysis of these factors, the aim was to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms that influence the progression and outcomes of neonatal sepsis, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of this critical condition in newborn infants. Materials and methods. 56 medical records of newborns receiving treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit were analysed. Depending on the severity of the inflammatory response, two observation groups were formed. The first clinical group included 25 patients with neonatal sepsis with a serum level of C-reactive protein <20 mg/l. The second group included 31 newborns with sepsis, where the blood CRP levels were over 20 mg/l. The serum presepsin levels in both groups were also over 300 pg/ml. Results. After analysing the data, it was discovered that the medical history of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as perinatal risk factors, do not impact the severity of the body's inflammatory response in early and late sepsis. Patients with low levels of C-reactive protein in neonatal sepsis are more likely to experience complications such as placental abruption, cesarean section delivery, low Apgar scores at 5 minutes, and a higher need for initial resuscitation. They also have an increased risk of intolerance to food requiring total parenteral nutrition. Babies born with high levels of C-reactive protein are more likely to be born prematurely before 32 weeks, show more severe signs of breathing problems, need more surfactant medication, respiratory support with n-CPAP therapy and mechanical ventilation, are at risk of getting too cold, and may start eating solid food later than normal. Conclusions. The findings of the study showed that in cases of neonatal sepsis, there is a diverse group of patients with varying levels of inflammation. This group may exhibit characteristics of "severe" sepsis and require personalised clinical and diagnostic interventions.