Mannose-binding lectin serum levels in neonatal sepsis and septic shock

Objective. To evaluate mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum levels as a marker for predicting sepsis, septic shock, and their outcomes in neonates. Patients and methods. A prospective study was conducted on 62 neonates (27 preterm and 35 full term) with culture-proven sepsis and 35 controls. Serum levels of MBL were measured by immunoassay. Results. Of 62 infants with positive blood cultures (Gram-negative = 44 and Gram-positive = 18), 11 infants had severe sepsis and 6 neonates developed septic shock. MBL levels were significantly lower in infants with sepsis than in control group (0.39 +/- 0.07 vs. 1.34 +/- 0.03 mu g/ml; p < 0.001). The lowest MBL levels were detected in those infants with septic shock, particularly those who died (p < 0.05). MBL had high sensitivity (96.7), specificity (97.1), positive (98.3), and negative (94.4) predictive values to detect sepsis. Conclusion. Low MBL serum levels could be considered as sensitive and specific marker for predicting sepsis, septic shock, and their clinical outcomes in newborn infants.