Journal of Hematology & Thromboembolic Diseases
Open Access

Abstract

Relationship between Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis and Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

Cosar H, Yilmaz O, Temur M, Ozun Ozbay P, Bulut Y and Karakulak M

Background: Comparative studies have shown the correlation between sepsis, septic shock and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in the adult population. There is limited information about the association between RDW and neonatal sepsis.

Aims: In this study we purpose to compare RDW in healthy new-born and those with early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and to investigate the potential role of RDW in the diagnosis of EONS.

Study design: The type of this study is prospective cohort study.

Methods: Study population consisted of term and near-term new-born delivered by spontaneous vaginal births. EONS (n=43) and control (n=45) groups were compared for RDW, complete blood cell count (CBC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Results: In new-born in the EONS group significantly higher levels of white blood cell (WBC) (19.60 ± 6.30 103/mm3 vs. 15.48 ± 5.46 103/mm3; p=0.002), RDW (22.35 ± 5.27% vs. 15.33 ± 1.87%; p<0.001) and CRP (21.2 ± 19.06 mg/L vs. 2.71 ± 0.76 mg/L; p<0.001). A significant and positive correlation was detected between RDW and serum CRP (r=0.26; p=0.01) levels. According linear regression model CRP (β=0.42; p<0.001), RDW (β=0.529; p<0.001) and WBC (β=0.171; p=0.011) were associated with EONS.

Conclusion: RDW was observably higher in term and near-term new-borns with EONS. Besides we detected significant correlations between RDW and CRP in the EONS. RDW can be used with CRP for the diagnosis of EONS.