Evaluation of Serum Ionized Calcium as a Prognostic Marker for Neonatal Sepsis

Document Type : Original Research Papers

Authors

1 Professor of Pediatrics and Neonatology Faculty of Medicine – Benha University

2 Lecturer of Pediatrics and Neonatology Faculty of Medicine – Benha University

3 Professor of Clinical and Chemical Pathology Faculty of Medicine – Benha University

4 Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology Faculty of Medicine – Benha University

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns, with early diagnosis being crucial for improving outcomes. Serum ionized calcium (iCa) has been suggested as a potential prognostic marker, as abnormal iCa levels, particularly hypocalcemia, are commonly observed in septic neonates and may correlate with disease severity and outcomes. Aim: To investigate the role of serum iCa as a prognostic marker for NS. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Benha University Hospital and Benha Children’s Hospital, involving 50 full-term infants diagnosed with NS (Group A) and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (Group B). Infants having congenital anomalies or a history of exchange transfusions were excluded. The study aimed to investigate several factors, including thorough history taking, clinical evaluation, hematological tests, blood cultures, blood gas analysis, and serum calcium levels. Ethical approval was granted, and informed consent was obtained from all participants' parents. Additionally, laboratory analyses were conducted to explore the role of iCa as a potential prognostic marker for NS. Results: Neonates with sepsis had significantly lower serum iCa levels than controls, with iCa demonstrating a negative correlation with the hematological scoring system. ROC curve analysis indicated a strong predictive ability of iCa for mortality, with an AUC of 0.856 (95% CI: 0.742–0.969) and a cutoff of ≤0.78 mg/dL, yielding sensitivity and specificity of 81.82% and 89.29%, respectively. Additionally,

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Benha Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 10, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Medical and Health Sciences:
January 2025
Pages 67-74

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