Comparison of Mean Platelet Volume in Neonates With and Without Sepsis

Abstract

ABSTRACT
 Objectives
 To compare mean platelet volume (MPV) in neonates with and without sepsis. 
 Study design
 Cross sectional descriptive study.
 Place & duration of study
 Neonatal Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from 2nd July 2017 to 22nd January 2018.
 Material and Methods
 140 neonates, of either gender with ages between 0-28 days, suspected of neonatal sepsis presenting with any two of the signs: core body temperature of > 38.5°C or < 36°C at time of presentation, pulse rate beyond the range of 100-200 beats/minute, leukocyte count beyond the range of 4000 to 30,000/mm3 or > 10% immature neutrophils on peripheral smear, tachypnea (>60 breaths/minute) and oxygen saturation (< 90%) on pulse oximeter, were included; while neonates having taken > 2 doses of antibiotics in last 48 hours as per history and clinical record were excluded. 3ml of blood was drawn and sent for culture, while another 3ml of blood sent for peripheral smear and MPV. All the data along with demographic details of the patients were noted. Same laboratory was used for all samples and the peripheral smear was done by the same pathologist each time to eliminate bias.
 Results
 31 neonates were culture positive for neonatal sepsis. Mean MPV(fl) was 7.31+0.92(fl). MPV was 8.52+0.51(fl) in septic neonates and 6.97+0.70(fl) in neonates without sepsis. The p value was significant (0.0001).
 Conclusion
 MPV was significantly raised in patients with sepsis.
 KEYWORDS
 
 Neonates, Sepsis, Mean Platelet Volume