ACCURACY OF THE HEMATOLOGICAL SCORING SYSTEM (HSS) FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF NEONATAL SEPSIS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Objectives: Neonatal sepsis is a known and significant contributor to newborn morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study to find out the efficiency of hematological scoring system (HSS) in predicting neonatal sepsis. Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Neonatology Unit of Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur. Period: 1st July 2018 to 31st December 2018. Materials & Methods: A total of 100 neonates having high probability of sepsis were admitted and evaluated in NICU, Institution's pathological lab was the center for all the workups. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs) along with negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated for different study parameters. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Amongst a total of 100 neonates, 62 (62.0%) were males and 38 (38.0%) females. There were 32 (32.0%) preterm while 68 (68.0%) term neonates. Culture positive cases were found to be 33 (33.0%) whereas CRP was noted reactive in 62 (62.0%) cases. Neonatal age as preterm, culture positive neonates (p < 0.001) as well as CRP as reactive were found to be significantly associated with HSS > 5. Immature to total neutrophil ratio (I:T) as well as Immature to mature neutrophil ratio (I:M) had the highest sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: HSS is a simple to use and efficient method that can be used to early diagnose and treat cases of neonatal sepsis. HSS has a high sensitivity as well specificity as high scores of HSS highlight sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]