Change of serum lipoproteins and its potential use in stratifying patients with sepsis among neonates

BackgroundChanges of serum lipoprotein concentration during bacteremia or sepsis are observed and lipoproteins concentration facilitate the evaluation severity of sepsis in adults, but its clinical usage is still unclear. Here, we analyzed the lipoprotein concentration in neonates with sepsis and discussed its use in stratifying patients.MethodsThis is a retrospective study involved 88 culture-proven septic patients. Clinical and microbiology data of involved patients were collected via inquiring databases of our institute. Patients were grouped according to blood culture results or procalcitonin level; the difference between groups were analyzed.ResultsCompared with uninfected group, there is no change of triglyceride (TG) concentrations and significant decrease of Total cholesterol (TC) concentration in septic patients. There is no significant difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative-related septic patients in terms of serum TG and TC concentration. Other than group with procalcitonin level of 0.5-2 ng/ml, both serum TG and TC concentration were decreased while serum procalcitonin level increasing.ConclusionsOur results indicated that serum lipoprotein concentration may be recommended to help diagnosis of bacteria and to evaluate the severity of sepsis.

Automated summary

In this study, the lipoprotein concentration in neonates with sepsis was analyzed and its use in stratifying patients was discussed. Compared with the uninfected group, there was no change in triglyceride concentration while there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol concentration in septic patients. There was no significant difference in serum triglyceride and total cholesterol concentration between Gram-positive and Gram-negative-related septic patients. Serum lipoprotein concentration may be recommended to help diagnose bacteria and evaluate the severity of sepsis.