Soluble interleukin-2 receptor as a predictor of neonatal sepsis

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at evaluation of soluble interleukin-2 receptor [sIL-2R] as a method of early detection of neonatal sepsis. The study comprised 33 neonates with suspected sepsis, their gestational age ranged from 32 to 42 weeks with a mean value of 37.3 +/- 2.6 weeks. They were compared with 15 healthy neonates. All the patients were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical examination, CRP, blood culture, serum sIL-2R assessment by ELISA. SIL-2R was significantly higher in the studied group compared with the control group, indicating T cell activation in the septic group. The elevation of sIL-2R level was also significant in full term septic neonates and those who had no history of premature rupture of membranes [PROM]. There was a strong positive correlation to hematologic score indicating the sensitivity of sIL-2R as a marker for neonatal sepsis. The non-survivors group of the septic neonates had significantly higher levels of sIL-2R suggesting the potential important prognostic value of sIL-2R. In conclusion, sIL-2R can be used as a sensitive marker for early detection of neonatal sepsis with the potentially important prognostic value