The significance of various hematological parameters for the early diagnosis of bacterial infections in premature and full-term neonates. 3. Discussion of the study results
Alexejew, B.; Handrick, W.; Braun, W.; Domula, M.; Winiecki, P.
Padiatrie und Grenzgebiete 29(6): 455-479
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-932X PMID: 2284107 Document Number: 351717
Haematological examinations may contribute, especially by repeated investigations of parameters changing dynamically, to a greater safety of decisions concerning the beginning or termination of chemotherapy in neonates with suspected infections. We recommend to check the blood count every 6-12 h in such cases. A normal blood count does not exclude a sepsis but haematological changes may precede clinical symptoms for hours. We can confirm the good experiences of some authors with "screening-scores" to detect early infants with sepsis. Such a score should include I/T-Quotient, thrombocyte count, CRP and micro-ESR. This contributes to a greater predictive probability of an infection.