FcγIII receptor expression and neutrophil granularity as prognostic biomarkers for infectious complications in newborns

Neonatal sepsis remains a pressing issue for healthcare both in Russia and globally due to its high mortality rate and resistance to treatment. Infection generalization in newborns is facilitated by a deficiency in innate immunity, which is particularly evident in impaired neutrophil function.

The aim of this study was to identify phenotypic characteristics of specific neutrophil subsets that could be significant in predicting the development and progression of infection in newborns. Using flow cytometry, we examined CD16 and CD62L expression as well as neutrophil granularity in newborns across three groups: those without infectious complications (n=38), with localized infection (n=32), and with generalized infection (n=21). Neutrophil subsets with high and intermediate levels of CD16 and CD62L expression demonstrated prognostic relevance. Patients with generalized infection exhibited a significant reduction in surface CD16 and granularity in these neutrophil subsets. Cutoff points were calculated, showing that a decrease in these parameters on the first day of illness was significantly associated with extended stays in intensive care units and overall hospitalization duration. The proposed indicators show promise for predicting infectious complications in newborns, facilitating more targeted and proactive care in neonatal practice.

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