Neutrophil Counts in Hospitalised VLBW and ELBW Neonates – A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Early-onset sepsis (EOS) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in new born babies and presents diagnostic challenges. The role of the neutrophil count in EOS in neonates has been studied extensively but with varying results. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates. Complete blood count (CBC) was carried out for all neonates. Our primary objective was to study the neutrophil count in VLBW and ELBW neonates. Our secondary objectives were to study the total leucocyte count (TLC) along with the neutrophil count on day 1 in neonates with EOS and to study the neutrophil count in VLBW / ELBW neonates. Results: Among the 175 neonates, 92 (52.6%) were males, and 83 (47.4%) were females. Mean birth weight was 1105 ± 241 g. Neutropenia was observed among 10 neonates on day 1, with a mean neutrophil count of 791.2 ± 315.8 / µL. Neutrophilia was observed among 27 neonates on day 1, with a mean neutrophil count of 9054.2 ± 3361.4 / µL. Compared with 18 out of 165 neonates without neutropenia, four out of 10 neonates with neutropenia on day 1 had EOS, which was statistically significant (P = 0.024). Conclusions: Neutrophil count is a valuable indicator of sepsis among VLBW and ELBW neonates.