Thrombocytopenia and bacterial sepsis in neonates

Prognostic value of blood inflammatory parameters for predicting mortality in neonates with sepsis

BACKGROUND

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. The diagnosis of neonatal sepsis has been widely explored using blood inflammatory parameters. However, few researches have focused on the predictive significance of blood inflammation parameters for predicting mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of blood inflammatory parameters, including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelet and C-reactive protein (CRP) for predicting mortality in neonates with sepsis.

METHODS

Neonates with culture-proven sepsis were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics and levels of white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelet and CRP were recorded. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and determine the optimal cutoff values. Multivariable Cox regression model was used to evaluate the independent prognostic significance of variables. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to assess survival.

RESULTS

A total of 188 neonates with culture-proven sepsis were included for analysis. The 7-day mortality rate was 11.2 % (21/188) and the 28-day mortality rate was 13.8 % (26/188). The levels of white blood cell, neutrophil, monocyte and platelet in non-survivors were lower than those in survivors (P < 0.05). Platelet yielded higher AUC values than other parameters for predicting mortality with the best cutoff value of 132 × 109/L, followed by WBC with the optimal cutoff value of 6.15 × 109/L. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed platelet and WBC were independent prognostic factors for predicting mortality. Low platelet group showed lower survival according to Kaplan-Meier method.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the levels of platelet and WBC on the day of sepsis onset are valuable indicators for predicting mortality in neonates with sepsis.

Explainable deep learning model to predict invasive bacterial infection in febrile young infants: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Machine learning models have demonstrated superior performance in predicting invasive bacterial infection (IBI) in febrile infants compared to commonly used risk stratification criteria in recent studies. However, the black-box nature of these models can make them difficult to apply in clinical practice. In this study, we developed and validated an explainable deep learning model that can predict IBI in febrile infants ≤ 60 days of age visiting the emergency department.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of febrile infants aged ≤ 60 days who presented to the pediatric emergency department of a medical center in Taiwan between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019. Patients with uncertain test results and complex chronic health conditions were excluded. IBI was defined as the growth of a pathogen in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. We used a deep neural network to develop a predictive model for IBI and compared its performance to the IBI score and step-by-step approach. The SHapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) technique was used to explain the model's predictions at different levels.

RESULTS

Our study included 1847 patients, 53 (2.7%) of whom had IBI. The deep learning model performed similarly to the IBI score and step-by-step approach in terms of sensitivity and negative predictive value, but provided better specificity (54%), positive predictive value (5%), and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (0.87). SHapley Additive exPlanations identified five influential predictive variables (absolute neutrophil count, body temperature, heart rate, age, and C-reactive protein).

CONCLUSION

We have developed an explainable deep learning model that can predict IBI in febrile infants aged 0-60 days. The model not only performs better than previous scoring systems, but also provides insight into how it arrives at its predictions through individual features and cases.

Role of complete blood cell count parameters in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

BACKGROUND

Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Ethiopia. The investigation of neonatal sepsis needs the application of inclusive diagnostic tools. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role of CBC parameters in diagnosing neonatal sepsis.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to November 2021 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 250 neonates were included using a convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and a data collection sheet were used to obtain the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. A venous blood sample was collected for CBC and blood culture tests. Epi-Info Version 7 and SPSS Version 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. The data distribution was checked by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Then, an independent t-test was conducted to compare CBC parameters, and the significant parameters were recruited for the ROC curves analysis. The Younden index test was used to determine the cutoff point for the sensitivity and specificity. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Out of 250 study participants, 144 (57.6%) were males, with a median age of 6 days (IQR = 4 days). Early-onset and late-onset sepsis were developed in about 29.6% (37/250) and 70.4% (88/250) of the neonates, respectively. The TLC and ANC parameters were significantly lower in cases than in control groups. The TLC, Hgb, lymphocyte count, and ANC parameters have a sensitivity of 64.8, 68, 33.6, and 49.6%, respectively. Their specificity in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was 64.8, 53.6, 83.2, and 90.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Total leucocyte count, ANC, and platelet count all showed significant associations with neonatal sepsis. Besides, the TLC, ANC, and platelet counts had good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing neonatal sepsis. Therefore, these parameters can be used as a diagnostic tool for neonatal sepsis in resource-limited areas.

Hematological Abnormalities in Culture Positive Neonatal Sepsis

Background

In neonatal sepsis, anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and a shortened coagulation time are the most common hematologic abnormalities. However, there is inadequate information regarding the hematological abnormalities in neonatal sepsis. Thus, we aimed to determine the magnitude of hematological abnormalities in neonatal sepsis.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study that included 143 neonates with culture proven sepsis aged 1–28 days from September 2020 to November 2021 at the University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital. The sociodemographic data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and the clinical and laboratory data was collected using a data collection sheet. A total of 2 mL of venous blood was taken using a vacutainer collection device for the complete blood count (CBC) and blood culture analysis. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with hematological abnormalities in neonatal sepsis. Statistical significance was declared when a p-value was less than 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leucopenia in neonatal sepsis was 49% (95% CI: 40.89–57.06), 44.7% (95% CI: 36.8–52.9), and 26.6% (95% CI: 22.01–29.40), respectively. On the other hand, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis were found in 7.7% (95% CI: 4.35–13.25) and 11.9% (95% CI: 7.56–18.21), respectively. Being female (AOR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.20–3.82) and being aged less than 7 days (AOR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.6–6.9) were found to be significant predictors of anemia.

Conclusion

The magnitude of anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia is high in neonatal sepsis. Furthermore, being female and being younger than 7 days were risk factors for anemia. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia prevents further complications in neonatal sepsis.

Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Neonate

AIM

To report the management of a neonate who presented with simultaneous bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) secondary to septicemia.

DESIGN

Case Report.

RESULTS

A full-term infant was treated for neonatal sepsis with thrombocytopenia. He presented with poorly dilating pupil, disc edema, dilated retinal veins, perivascular exudation, retinal hemorrhages in all four quadrants radiating from the optic nerve to the ora serrata (no Roth spots), with cystoid macular edema (CME) in both the eyes. His TORCH serology was negative and peripheral blood film was normal. He was diagnosed as presumptive bilateral inflammatory CRVO with CME secondary to septicemia. He received bilateral intravitreal bevacizumab injections. After the injection, his pupils dilated completely while retinal hemorrhages and CME reduced.

CONCLUSION

CRVO may present as a rare complication in neonates suffering from septicemia. Apart from the systemic treatment, aggressive ocular treatment is needed to salvage the eyes with severe ischemia.

Hematologic Profiles of Ethiopian Preterm Infants With Clinical Diagnoses of Early-Onset Sepsis, Perinatal Asphyxia, and Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective. To determine the hematologic profile of preterm infants with regard to different diseases. Methods. A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study, conducted in 5 hospitals in Ethiopia from July 2016 to May 2018. Preterm babies <7 days of age were included and investigated with complete blood counts (CBC) and other investigations, accordingly. Results. Out of 4919 preterms, 3852 (78.3%) were admitted to a newborn intensive care unit, and of these, 68.3% had a CBC performed. The mean values of hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were 17.9 mg/dL; 12 685 cells/mm³, and 159 340 cells/mm³, respectively. Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) 1433 (37%), asphyxia 266 (6.9%), and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) 1738 (45.3%) were common reasons for admission. The WBC count was <5000 cells/mm³ for 8.8%, 9.0%, and 11.1% of neonates with EONS, asphyxia and RDS, respectively. The hemoglobin value was <7 mg/dL for 0.6%, 1.7%, and 0.4% of preterm infants with EONS, asphyxia, and RDS, respectively. The platelet count was <50 000 cells/mm³ for 16.8%, 17.7%, and 19.8% of preterms admitted with a diagnosis of EONS, asphyxia, and RDS, respectively. Conclusion. WBC and platelet counts were the most common to be associated with EONS, asphyxia, and RDS. Further study is recommended to determine the effect of abnormal hematologic profile on the outcome of preterm babies.

Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis induces hypercoagulability in preterm pigs

Gram positive bacteria are a cause of sepsis in human preterm infants, and associates with high mortality and hemostatic dysfunction. It is unknown whether bovine colostrum may protect against sepsis and prevent hemostatic dysfunction. The current study was part of an overall sepsis study investigating Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) induced sepsis in premature pigs including investigation of the effect of feeding bovine colostrum. The specific hypothesis of this study was that the hemostatic response would be hypercoagulable in septic pigs compared to non-infected controls, and that feeding bovine colostrum would increase the hypercoagulant response. Thromboelastography, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and fibrinogen concentration were characterized in SE infected pigs, SE infected pigs fed bovine colostrum, and uninfected controls. All pigs were followed for 24 h. In addition, the same parameters were evaluated in a group of premature pigs and a group of full born pigs all followed for 11 days. SE septic premature pigs were characterized by increased clot strength and decreased fibrinolysis, significantly low platelet count and high fibrinogen concentration. Feeding bovine colostrum did not affect the hemostatic response. Compared to full born pigs, preterm newborn pigs demonstrated reduced clot strength, prolonged prothrombin time and low fibrinogen concentration. In all pigs, the fibrinogen concentration increased 11 days post-partum. To conclude, SE induced sepsis in premature pigs resulted in hypercoagulability. Bovine colostrum did not mitigate the hemostatic response. A hypocoagulable hemostatic response was present in healthy preterm pigs compared to full born pigs, similar to previous reports in infants.

Presentation and outcomes of early and late onset neonatal sepsis in a Nigerian Hospital

Background

Neonatal Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates despite great advances in antimicrobial therapy and life support measures.

Objectives

To compare the aetiology, risk factors, presentation and outcomes of care between early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) and late onset neonatal sepsis (LOS).

Methods

Bacterial isolates were identified using blood cultures and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using disc diffusion method. The risk factors, clinical presentation, laboratory findings and neonatal outcomes of the babies with EOS were compared with LOS. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05.

Results

Neonatal Sepsis was responsible for 16% of Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) admissions. Of the 72 babies with sepsis, 56 (77.8%) had EOS as against 16 (22.2%) who had late-onset sepsis. Low birth weight (p=0.01) and perinatal asphyxia (p=0.01) were significantly associated with EOS while for LOS, delivery outside the health facility (p=0.01) was the only significant risk factor. Respiratory distress was more significantly observed in EOS (p = 0.01). Neonatal deaths occurred in 32% of babies with EOS while all babies with culture positive LOS survived.

Conclusion

Early onset neonatal sepsis is associated with high likelihood of neonatal mortality. Unsupervised delivery, birth asphyxia and low birth weight are risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis. Efforts to ensure supervised hospital delivery and improvement in neonatal resuscitation may reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis and its attendant complications.

Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated From Neonates With Sepsis

Introduction:Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most important infectious agents in neonates. There are “classic” and hypervirulent strains of K. pneumoniae. The “classic” non-virulent strain of K. pneumoniae, producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), is associated with nosocomial infections. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains are associated with invasive infections in previously healthy adult people, and most of them exhibit antimicrobial susceptibility. The role of virulent strains of K. pneumoniae (including hv-KP) in neonatal infections is unknown. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance of K. pneumoniae strains on clinical features and outcomes of neonatal infection.

Materials and Methods: Two groups of infants were enrolled. The first group consisted of 10 neonates with sepsis caused by K. pneumoniae. The second group consisted of 10 neonates with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by K. pneumoniae. We investigated the susceptibility of K. pneumoniae isolates to antibiotics, the ability of the microorganism to produce ESBL, and virulence factors, including the rmpA gene, aerobactin, and colibactin genes. In neonates with sepsis, we investigated K. pneumoniae isolates, which was taken from the blood, in neonates with UTI—from the urine.

Results: In neonates with sepsis testing of K. pneumoniae isolates for ESBL production was positive in 60% of cases, in neonates with UTI—in 40% of cases. All blood and urine ESBL producing K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to ampicillins, including protected ones, and third-generation cephalosporins. At the same time, these isolates were sensitive to meropenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. The rmpA gene was detected in four blood, and three urine K. pneumoniae isolates. In neonates with sepsis rmpA gene in two cases was detected in ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. They were infants with meningitis, and both cases were fatal. In the group of infants with UTI, the rmpA gene was detected only in K. pneumoniae isolates not producing ESBL. Aerobactin and colibactin genes were detected in two neonates with sepsis and in three neonates with UTI. In all cases, aerobactin and colibactin genes were detected only in rmpA-positive K. pneumoniae isolates. Out of three fatal outcomes, two cases were caused by hv-KP producing ESBL.

Conclusion: The prevalence of virulent strains of K. pneumoniae among neonates with sepsis and other neonatal infection is higher than we think. The most severe forms of neonatal sepsis with an unfavorable outcome in our study were due to virulent strains of K. pneumoniae.

Serious Bacterial Infections in Hospitalized Febrile Infants in the First and Second Months of Life

OBJECTIVE

Most protocols evaluating serious bacterial infection (SBI) risk in febrile infants classify neonates <30 days of age as high risk (HR), while other protocols do not distinguish between infants <30 and 30-60 days of age. We compared SBI rates in febrile infants at the first and the second months of life.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, population-based, cohort study. All febrile infants ≤60 days of age hospitalized in southern Israel, January 2013 through May 2014, were included. SBI risk assessment included medical history, physical examination, blood count and dipstick urine analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 623 infants were identified; 142 HR infants <30 days of age, 95 low-risk (LR) infants <30 days of age, 232 HR infants 30-60 days of age and 154 LR infants 30-60 days of age. Urinary tract infection comprised 84.7% (133/157) of all SBIs. Among HR infants, higher SBI rates were observed in <30 versus 30-60 days (45.0% vs. 29.3%; P = 0.003), while respective rates were similar among LR infants (8.4% vs. 11.0%; P = 0.66). SBI rates in HR infants 0-14 versus 15-60 days of age were 45.3% versus 33.6% (P = 0.12), and 19.2% versus 8.9% (P = 0.15) in LR infants. Among HR infants, SBI rates were 52.8% and 39.5% in infants <30 days of age with temperature ≥39°C and <39°C, respectively, while in infants ≥30 days of age, respective rates were 31.2% and 26.7% (P = 0.005, comparing the 4 groups). Among LR infants, rates were not affected by temperature degree. Thrombocytopenia was associated with higher SBI rates in HR, but not in LR.

CONCLUSIONS

In HR infants, higher SBI rates were associated with younger age, higher body temperature and thrombocytopenia. In contrast, SBI (mostly urinary tract infection) rates among LR infants (approximately 10%) were not associated with these factors.

Sepsis induced by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) alters nucleotidase activities in platelets of rats

Sepsis is a potentially lethal condition, and it is associated with platelet alterations. The present study sought to investigate the activity of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase), E-5'-nucleotidase, and ecto-adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) in the platelets of rats that were induced with sepsis. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten animals each: a negative control group (normal; NC); a group that underwent surgical procedures (sham); and a group that underwent cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). The induction of sepsis was confirmed by bacteremia, and the causative pathogen identified was Escherichia coli. Hematological parameters showed leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia in animals in the septic group. The results also revealed that there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) hydrolyses, and in the deamination of adenosine in the CLP group compared to the sham and control groups. Conversely, ADP hydrolysis was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the CLP group compared to the sham and control groups. Purine levels were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in serum samples from control, sham, and CLP groups. Increased concentrations of ATP, adenosine, and inosine were found in the CLP group compared to the sham and control groups. Conversely, the concentrations of ADP and AMP in the CPL group were not significantly altered. We suggest that alterations in hematological parameters, nucleotide hydrolysis in platelets, and nucleotide concentrations in serum samples of rats with induced sepsis may be related to thromboembolic events.

Neonatal Platelet Transfusions and Future Areas of Research

Thrombocytopenia affects approximately one fourth of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units, and prophylactic platelet transfusions are commonly administered to reduce bleeding risk. However, there are few evidence-based guidelines to inform clinicians' decision-making process. Developmental differences in hemostasis and differences in underlying disease processes make it difficult to apply platelet transfusion practices from other patient populations to neonates. Thrombocytopenia is a risk factor for common preterm complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage; however, a causal link has not been established, and platelet transfusions have not been shown to reduce risk of developing intraventricular hemorrhage. Platelet count frequently drives the decision of whether to transfuse platelets, although there is little evidence to demonstrate what a safe platelet nadir is in preterm neonates. Current clinical assays of platelet function often require large sample volumes and are not valid in the setting of thrombocytopenia; however, evaluation of platelet function and/or global hemostasis may aid in the identification of neonates who are at the highest risk of bleeding. Although platelets' primary role is in establishing hemostasis, platelets also carry pro- and antiangiogenic factors in their granules. Aberrant angiogenesis underpins common complications of prematurity including intraventricular hemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity. In addition, platelets play an important role in host immune defenses. Infectious and inflammatory conditions such as sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis are commonly associated with late-onset thrombocytopenia in neonates. Severity of thrombocytopenia is correlated with mortality risk. The nature of this association is unclear, but preclinical data suggest that thrombocytopenia contributes to mortality rather than simply being a proxy for disease severity. Neonates are a distinct patient population in whom thrombocytopenia is common. Their unique physiology and associated complications make the risks and benefits of platelet transfusions difficult to understand. The goal of this review was to highlight research areas that need to be addressed to better understand the risks and benefits of platelet transfusions in neonates. Specifically, it will be important to identify neonates at risk of bleeding who would benefit from a platelet transfusion and to determine whether platelet transfusions either abrogate or exacerbate common neonatal complications such as sepsis, chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and retinopathy of prematurity.

Clinical significance of platelet-associated hematological parameters as an early supplementary diagnostic tool for sepsis in thrombocytopenic very-low-birth-weight infants

Sepsis is an important cause of death in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates. Although conventional diagnostic indicator of sepsis has been done by blood cultures, this took much longer time. The measurement of platelet-associated parameters such as mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) become more reliable and accurate parameters as a non-specific marker for sepsis. Our objective is to examine the usefulness of those platelet hematological parameters as a supplementary diagnostic tool for sepsis in VLBW infants. This study is a retrospective cohort study of neonates subject to the diagnosis of sepsis from October 2006 to July 2010. This study was conducted at Korea University medical center. We studied total 2,336 infants for 32 days from birth (Day 0) to Day 31. We compared three groups of infants to examine differences of platelet parameters according to their age from birth to Day 31: (i) full-terms versus VLBW without sepsis, (ii) VLBW without sepsis versus VLBW with sepsis and (iii) thrombocytopenic VLBW without sepsis versus those with sepsis. The platelet-associated parameters were significantly distinguishable between septic and non-septic groups at their early age (∼ 1 week), especially platelet counts (PLT) (p = 0.0091), MPV (p = 0.007) and PDW (p = 0.0372) in thrombocytopenic VLBW infants. The decreased PLT, elevated MPV and PDW were major characteristics of septic group. We suggested maximum cutoff values of the platelet factors by performing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis between septic and non-septic thrombocytopenic VLBW infants, among which MPV was the most promising index (AUCMPV = 0.7044 > AUCPLT = 0.6921 > AUCPDW = 0.6593). Platelet-associated hematological parameters are useful for the early diagnosis of sepsis as a more efficient and supplementary diagnostic method in thrombocytopenic VLBW infants.

Poor platelet Count Response to Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Patients with Severe Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

INTRODUCTION

ITP is an autoimmune blood disorder in which platelet destruction is mediated by anti-platelet antibodies. The mechanisms of anti-platelet antibodies development are still a little known. The rate of some bacterial or viral agents in cause of ITP is well known. Recently, some study proposed that H pylori infection may be associated with ITP and H pylori eradication can improves platelet counts in infected ITP patients.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A baseline platelet count <50×10(3) µL for 4 weeks prior to study entry were required. These patients were tested for H. pylori infection by urea breath. All positive H pylori patients received triple therapy for 7 or 14 days to eradicate H pylori infection. These patients followed for six months.

RESULTS

Of 92 patients with ITP, H pylori infection was found in 59.7% (55/92). After excluding patients with confounding factors, 41 patients were remained. After H pylori eradication, CR wasn't obtained in any patients. Partial response were obtained only in 3 (7.3%) of the 41 patients and no response in 38 (92.6%) patients. There is a significant difference between the platelet counts of PR and NR groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study and our previously study showed H pylori eradication therapy has beneficial effect for patients with mild thrombocytopenia but the chance of obtaining a response by H pylori treatment is lower in patients with severe thrombocytopenia.