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Secretory phospholipase A2 in newborn infants with sepsis

Journal of Perinatology volume 28, pages 291–296 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity in neonatal sepsis.

Study Design:

Plasma sPLA2 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:

sPLA2 activity, CRP concentration and I/T ratio were higher in sepsis than in suspected infection or control groups. sPLA2 activity advanced with increasing CRP, I/T ratio and IL-6 was highest in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Compared to CRP, sPLA2 had equal sensitivity and lower specificity. Compared to I/T ratio, sensitivity and specificity of sPLA2 were higher.

Conclusion:

Plasma sPLA2 activity is increased in neonatal sepsis and highest in infants with RDS. Further studies should assess the potential of sPLA2 inhibition in neonatal sepsis.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the technical assistants and nurses of the neonatal unit for collection of blood samples, Wim van Dam, laboratory technician, Department of Clinical Chemistry, for performing CRP measurements, A Bakker, laboratory technician Division of Neonatology, for performing IL-6 measurements and Professor/Dr K Zwinderman, Department of Medical Statistics for his advice. This project was sponsored by a Dutch NWO grant (no. 920-03-083).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Unit, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

    A J J Schrama, H M Berger & F J Walther

  2. Juliana Children's Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands

    A J de Beaufort

  3. Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    B J H M Poorthuis

Authors
  1. A J J Schrama
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  2. A J de Beaufort
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  3. B J H M Poorthuis
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  4. H M Berger
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  5. F J Walther
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Correspondence to F J Walther.

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Schrama, A., de Beaufort, A., Poorthuis, B. et al. Secretory phospholipase A2 in newborn infants with sepsis. J Perinatol 28, 291–296 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211929

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211929

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