DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN DIAGNOSING NEONATAL SEPSIS: A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of thrombocytopenia in diagnosing neonatal sepsis by taking blood culture as the gold standard. Study Design & Setting: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, CMH, Sialkot, for the period from December 2025 to May 2026. Methodology: Using non-probability consecutive sampling, 119 neonates with suspected neonatal sepsis between the ages of 0 and 28 days were enrolled. Baseline demographic and clinical data including age, gender, residence, duration of symptoms, Maternal fever, protracted rupture of membranes, gestational age, birth weight, and delivery method were noted. Platelet counts were assessed using a fully automated hematology analyzer, and thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count <100×10⁹/L. Blood culture was performed using the BACTEC method and regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing sepsis in newborns. A 2x2 table was used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy. Results: Neonates had a mean platelet count of 108.46 ± 42.75×10¹/L and an average age of 9.14 ± 5.62 days. Blood culture confirmed neonatal sepsis in 55 (46.2%) neonates. Thrombocytopenia demonstrated 94.5% sensitivity, 78.1% specificity, 78.8% positive predictive value, 94.3% negative predictive value, and 85.7% diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia may be a helpful early hematological marker in suspected cases and has shown good sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing newborn sepsis.