Role of mean platelet volume in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Objective: To assess the role of mean platelet volume in the detection of neonatal sepsis, and to work out its cut-off value. Method: The comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to June 2022 at the Neonatal Department of the Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised neonates in group A who were confirmed cases of sepsis diagnosed on the basis of blood culture test, and those in control group B who were healthy neonates with respect to sepsis. Blood samples were taken for the assessment of complete blood count, including mean platelet volume, total leucocyte count, neutrophil count, haemoglobin level and blood culture. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimum cut-off value of mean platelet volume. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 100 subjects, 50(50%) were in group A; 30(60%) boys and 20(40%) girls with mean age 1.78±1.50 days. There were 50(50%) subjects in group B; 34(68%) boys and 16(32%) girls with mean age 1.24±0.56 days. Age was significantly different between the groups (p=0.01). Mean neutrophil count was significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). Mean platelet volume in group A was 11.29±1.37fL compared to 9.69±1.11fL in group B (p<0.05). The cut-off value of the mean platelet volume was 10fL. Conclusion: The mean platelet volume was found to be a reliable marker for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis with a cut-off value of 10.0fL. Key Words: Early onset neonatal sepsis, Mean platelet volume, Neutrophil count, Platelet count, Total leucocyte count.