INDICATORS OF NEONATAL SEPTICICEMIA: “PREDICTIVE VALUES OF CERTAIN BIOMARKERS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ELECTORLYTES”.
Ahmad Mujtaba1, Maira Larosh2 , Muhammad Hassan Tahir3 , Muhammad Mansoor Ijaz4 , Aqsa Shafi5, Bushra Ijaz6, Muhammad Noman7, Hafiz Muhammad Saddiq8, Muhammad Sohail Hanif9
Submission: 18 January 2026 | Acceptance: 19 February 2026 | Publication: 14 March 2026,
1,2,3,4,5,6, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Allied Hospital Faisalabad, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
7, Department of Medical Lab Sciences (MLS) , Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad, Pakistan. (https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2595-9992).
8,9, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
Abstract
Background
Septicemia is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality globally,apotentially fatalillness. It is a life threatening condition in which the body responds to infection improperly leading to inflammation and damage to bodyorgans. It can cause serious consequences in newborns due to weak immunity.Early diagnosis and swift action are necessary to improve clinical outcomes.
Aim
The main goal is to investigate how electrolyte imbalances and important inflammatory biomarkers including procalcitonin, Total Leukocyte Count (TLC),C-Reactive Protein(CRP),and Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate (ESR) contribute to the onset and course of newborn septicemia. Electrolyte imbalances,particularly hyponatremia and hyperkalemia,are frequently associated with metabolic dysfunction related to sepsis. Additionally, elevated procalcitonin and CRP levels,along with abnormal ESR and TLC readings,are significant indicators of systemic inflammation and bacterial infection.
Methodology
Samples of 50 neonates were collected to evaluate the role of the inflammatory biomarkers with electrolytes using special chemistry analyzers. Results were interpreted using SPPS software tools and the relevant relations in results were administrated by using Pearson correlations.
Results
The findings revealed that out of various biomarkers CRP and Procalcitonin are most sensitive and specific tests for diagnosing septicemia ( r= +1.00) indicating its efficiency. Electrolytes imbalances were quitely seen in every nenonates with fluctuations.
Conclusions
The study underscores the importance of early diagnosing and intervention to mitigate the risks of severe outcomes and enhance neonatal care in clinical settings.
Keywords
Inflammatory biomarkers of new born septicemia,hyponatremia,hyperkalemia,metabolic dysfunction, Pearson correlations.