Low-mannose-binding lectin levels in susceptibility to neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates with fetal inflammatory response syndrome

Aim. In this study, we aimed to evaluate cord blood mannose binding levels (MBL), to evaluate possible relationship between cord blood MBL levels with neonatal sepsis and culture confirmed neonatal sepsis in preterm newborn with gestational age below 34 weeks with fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). Methods. Forty-four randomly selected <= 34 weeks gestational age newborns with FIRS were evaluated. MBL deficiency was described as cord blood levels were below 400 ng/ml. Results. Mean value of umbilical cord MBL was significantly lower in newborns with culture confirmed sepsis (p < 0.01) and also all cases with sepsis (including culture negative or positive) (p < 0.05) than newborns without sepsis. Culture-confirmed sepsis was statistically common in MBL deficient premature newborns with FIRS. Univariate analysis showed that gestational age, birth weight, low serum MBL level and poor obstetric history were all significantly associated with the risk of neonatal sepsis. A subsequent multivariate analysis showed that the association between serum MBL level and the risk of suspected sepsis and culture confirmed sepsis independently from gestational age and birth weight. Conclusion. Here in, we report firstly lower MBL levels were found related with sepsis in neonates, especially in newborns with culture proven sepsis. Low MBL levels may help to identify neonates with FIRS at high risk of developing sepsis.