The role of nCD64 in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis in preterm newborns.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing neonatal sepsis is difficult, particularly in preterm newborns. A promising method appears to be evaluation of cell surface markers by flow cytometry. METHODS: This prospective study investigated 217 newborns suspected of having early- or late-onset neonatal sepsis. In all, flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of CD64-positive neutrophils (nCD64). Based on the clinical course and laboratory test results, newborns were categorized as having proven, possible, clinical or no neonatal sepsis. Subsequently, associations between the categories and nCD64 values were analyzed. RESULTS: There were significant associations between nCD64 values and the development of sepsis in newborns with both early- or late-onset sepsis. CONCLUSION: nCD64expression is significantly elevated in preterm newborn with early and late onset sepsis. The results show that nCD64 is a reliable marker for diagnosing neonatal sepsis.

Multifarious diagnostic possibilities of the S100 protein family: predominantly in pediatrics and neonatology.

BACKGROUND: Numerous articles related to S100 proteins have been recently published. This review aims to introduce this large protein family and its importance in the diagnostics of many pathological conditions in children and adults. DATA SOURCES: Based on original publications found in database systems, we summarize the current knowledge about the S100 protein group and highlight the most important proteins with focus on pediatric use. RESULTS: The S100 family is composed of Ca2+ and Zn2+ binding proteins, which are present only in vertebrates. Some of these proteins can be used as diagnostic markers in cardiology (S100A1, S100A12), oncology (S100A2, S100A5, S100A6, S100A14, S100A16, S100P, S100B), neurology (S100B), rheumatology (S100A8/A9, S100A4, S100A6, and S100A12), nephrology and infections (S100A8, S100A9, S100A8/A9, S100A12). The most useful S100 proteins in pediatrics are S100A8, S100A9, heterodimers S100A8/A9, S100B and S100A12. CONCLUSIONS: The S100 family members are promising biomarkers and provide numerous possibilities for implementation into clinical practice to optimize the differential diagnostic process.