Secretory phospholipase A(2) in newborn infants with sepsis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) activity in neonatal sepsis.

STUDY DESIGN:

Plasma sPLA(2) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, leukocyte count and immature/total neutrophil (I/T) ratio were assessed in a group of 156 infants admitted for neonatal intensive care, who were classified as documented sepsis (n=24), suspected infection (n=77) and controls (n=55). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were assessed in a subgroup (n=29).

RESULT:

sPLA(2) activity, CRP concentration and I/T ratio were higher in sepsis than in suspected infection or control groups. sPLA(2) activity advanced with increasing CRP, I/T ratio and IL-6 was highest in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Compared to CRP, sPLA(2) had equal sensitivity and lower specificity. Compared to I/T ratio, sensitivity and specificity of sPLA(2) were higher.

CONCLUSION:

Plasma sPLA(2) activity is increased in neonatal sepsis and highest in infants with RDS. Further studies should assess the potential of sPLA(2) inhibition in neonatal sepsis.

• Authors: A J J Schrama, A J de Beaufort, B J H M Poorthuis, H M Berger, F J Walther
• Journal: Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association (J Perinatol) Vol. 28 Issue 4 Pg. 291-6 (Apr 2008) ISSN: 0743-8346 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18200020 (Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interleukin-6
• C-Reactive Protein
• Phospholipases A2, Secretory

Topics

• C-Reactive Protein (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Infant, Premature, Diseases (blood, diagnosis, enzymology)
• Interleukin-6 (blood)
• Leukocyte Count
• Male
• Neutrophils
• Phospholipases A2, Secretory (blood)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Sepsis (blood, diagnosis, enzymology)