Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Function in Neonatal Sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a clinical disorder developed by bacterial blood stream infections in neonates. CBC indices, such as platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), PDW have been used as markers of systemic inflammation in children and adults. Objective: To assess MPV and platelets function in neonatal sepsis. Patients and Methods: This study was a case control, which included 50 cases and 50 controls. All participants were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, CBC, C-reactive protein, blood cultures and assessment of mean platelets volume. Results: There was a significant decrease in haemoglobin level, RBCs count, and platelet count. While, there was significant increase in WBCs count and MPV in the patient group than in the control group. Mean value of platelet count was statistically significantly lower among cases than in control. MPV was significantly higher in patients than controls. PDW was statistically significantly lower among cases than in controls. MPV showed significant negative correlation with gestational age, birth weight and platelet count. While it showed statistically significant positive correlation with CRP. Conclusion: Mean value of platelet count and PDW were statistically significant lower among cases than in control while MPV was significantly higher in patients than in controls. So, platelet function could be a useful early diagnostic marker in neonatal sepsis.