Evaluation of the S100 protein A12 as a biomarker of neonatal sepsis

Abstract Introduction: Sepsis has a grave impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Proper timely diagnosis and a subsequently tailored management are crucial to improve neonatal outcome and survival. New diagnostic methods are needed and much effort is directed to this objective. In this work, we aimed to evaluate S100A12 protein as a biomarker of neonatal sepsis. Materials and methods: In this prospective single-center study, 118 preterm and term neonates were enrolled and assigned to four groups: controls, infants with no infection, infants with probable infection and infants with proven infection. Clinical and routine laboratory data, the serum levels of S100A12 and additional cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-22, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ) were assessed. Using stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, S100A12 protein was evaluated as a biomarker of neonatal infection. Results: Significant differences of the parameters of complete blood count and level of C-r...