Plasma secretory phospholipase A2 as an early marker for late-onset sepsis in preterm infants—a pilot study

Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to bacterial late-onset sepsis (LOS). Diagnosis by blood culture and inflammatory markers have sub-optimal sensitivity and specificity and prolonged reporting times. There is an urgent need for more rapid, accurate adjunctive diagnostics in LOS to improve management and minimise antibiotic exposure.

Citation:
Hibbert J, Armstrong NJ, Granland C, Ng S, Simmer K, Richmond P, Burgner d, Strunk T, Currie A. Plasma secretory phospholipase A2 as an early marker for late-onset sepsis in preterm infants—a pilot study. Acta Paediatr Int J Paediatr. 2021.

Keywords:
C-reactive protein; diagnostic marker; late-onset sepsis; preterm infants; secretory phospholipase 2A

Abstract:
Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to bacterial late-onset sepsis (LOS). Diagnosis by blood culture and inflammatory markers have sub-optimal sensitivity and specificity and prolonged reporting times. There is an urgent need for more rapid, accurate adjunctive diagnostics in LOS to improve management and minimise antibiotic exposure.