| Abstract: | Objective.?To evaluate mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum levels as a marker for predicting sepsis, septic shock, and their outcomes in neonates.Patients and methods.?A prospective study was conducted on 62 neonates (27 preterm and 35 full term) with culture-proven sepsis and 35 controls. Serum levels of MBL were measured by immunoassay.Results.?Of 62 infants with positive blood cultures (Gram-negative?=?44 and Gram-positive?=?18), 11 infants had severe sepsis and 6 neonates developed septic shock. MBL levels were significantly lower in infants with sepsis than in control group (0.39?±?0.07 vs. 1.34?±?0.03 μg/ml; p?p?Conclusion.?Low MBL serum levels could be considered as sensitive and specific marker for predicting sepsis, septic shock, and their clinical outcomes in newborn infants. |
