Surface activation leukocyte markers and humoral factors in cord blood of newborns at risk of early infection

Abstract

Due to immaturity of both specific and non-specific immune mechanism, neonates are at risk of serious infection. The risk group definition is vague, clinical signs are non-specific and common laboratory markers are not as useful as in later ages, especially due to delayed reactions.

In an attempt to find early, sensitive and specific markers, we assessed a defined set of surface leukocyte markers and humoral factors in cord blood. Severel differences were noted - children in the risk group had a higher proportion of CD19+/23+, CD16+/64+, CD45RO cells and higher levels of IL-6.

We find it promising that already at birth there are notable signs of reaction to infection and that a follow-up of a set of infectious markers could be useful to identity the children in need of antibiotic treatment and for diminishing unnecessary treatment.