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Neutrophil CD64 has a high negative predictive value for exclusion of neonatal sepsis
Abstract
Methods and results. In this prospective observational study, patients were classified into categories of infection, namely definite, probable and possible. Of 76 neonates, 1 had definite infection, 5 probable infection, 300 possible infection, and 322 no infection. The neutrophil CD64 index at a cut-off value of 1.8 had a high negative predictive value (95.2%) in ruling out combined probable and definite infection.
Conclusions. We recommend inclusion of the neutrophil CD64 index into the diagnostic algorithm for neonatal sepsis, as it has a high negative predictive value and can be used to rule out infection. As the positive predictive value of the index was low in confirming infection, it should be used as a screening rather than a confirmatory test.
Authors' affiliations
M B Dhlamini, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
M S Suchard, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
T M Wiggill, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
O O Fadahun, Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
D E Ballot, Neonatal Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
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Date published: 2013-01-22
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