Background: Neonatal sepsis is major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Blood culture and sepsis screening are currently used method, but their utility is limited due to delayed reporting and increased cost. Platelet indices are one such set of parameters which can be helpful in the future diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. This study was aimed to evaluate the significance of platelet indices either alone or in combination with existing sepsis screen as a marker of neonatal sepsis.Methods: Neonates admitted in the neonatal unit of Hospital and showing signs and symptoms of sepsis, and/or born to mothers with risk factor for sepsis were included in this study. Investigations sent for all these neonates included blood culture, sepsis screen (CRP, micro ESR, TLC, ANC, IT ratio) and platelet indices (Platelet count, MPV, PDW).Results: In present study, 81.12% neonates in case group had platelet count less than 1.5lacs/mm3 while in control group 20.91% neonates only had the same. This difference was statistically significant, (p<0.0001). Similarly, 70.91% neonates in case group had MPV more than >10.8 fl whereas in control group only 26.53% neonates had the same, with difference was statistically significant, (p<0.0001) Similarly, 65.81% neonates in case group and 34.69% in control group had PDW more than 19.1fl and this difference was statistically significant, (p=0.0001).Conclusions: High PDW, high MPV and low platelet count are more associated with neonatal sepsis. So, platelet and its indices may be used as a sensitive marker to identify septic babies and it may be combined with existing sepsis screen to specifically exclude non-septic case.

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Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD) on respiratory function using spirometry. In addition, the study aims to investigate the relationship between the severity of PD and any impairments in a respiratory capacity as measured by forced vital capacity (FVC%). Methods: This case–control study (40 cases of PD vs. 40 healthy controls) was conducted from July 1, 2021, to October 31, 2022, in a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi. Clinical symptoms and severity (Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS] part-III score and Modified H and Y Scale) of the patients of PD were noted. A pulmonary function test (by spirometry) was performed and parameters such as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC, FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were noted. Mann–Whitney U-test (for two groups) and Chi-square test were used for the comparison of variables. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used for the correlation of FVC (% predicted) with MDS-UPDRS part-III score and Modified H and Y stage. Results: Compared to controls, cases had significantly lower FVC% (70.5 vs. 88, P < 0.01), significantly lower FEV1% (68 vs. 83.5, P < 0.01), comparable FEV1/FVC (% predicted) (97 vs. 96, P = 0.805) and significantly lower PEFR (% predicted) (80.5 vs. 92, P < 0.01). The pattern of lung involvement was restrictive, normal, and obstructive in 72.50%, 20%, and 7.50% of cases, respectively. FVC (% predicted) showed a significant negative correlation with MDS-UPDRS part-III score (r = −0.895, P < 0.01) and with Modified H and Y Scale (r = −0.792, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Patients with PD had significantly more deranged respiratory dysfunction and there was significantly higher respiratory dysfunction with increasing severity of PD. A proper screening of lung functions may allow an early detection of respiratory dysfunction, thereby helping to initiate an early pulmonary rehabilitation to prevent respiratory complications.