Background:The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of daily measurements of liver enzymes along with c-reactive protein (CRP), and complete blood count (CBC) for the successful management of septic cases in neonates.Method: A sample of septic neonates (48 individuals), along with 40 non-septic neonates, was randomly selected for the daily measurement of liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), blood culture, CRP, and CBC during the routine medical treatments of sepsis cases in neonates. The abovementioned parameters were measured according to international laboratory standards. Data were statistically analyzed to determine whether there were correlations among parameters.
Results:The data showed elevated levels of white blood cells (WBCs), ALT, AST, ALP, and CRP and a reduced level of platelets on the first day of medical treatment (on admission). Daily measurement of the parameters provides a trend with the direction of medical treatment. Strong correlations were found between CRP and blood parameters. Successful medical treatment indicated a continuous reduction of WBCs, ALT, ALP, AST and CRP and increased level of platelets to reach the values of the reference range and/or the control group at the end point.
Conclusion:Daily measurements of ALT, AST, ALP and CRP along with blood counts are driving toward the successful diagnosis and management of septic cases in neonates. The implementation of these diagnostic parameters around the globe may reduce the morbidity and mortality in neonates.