الفهرس 
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Abstract
Early-onset sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and it is difficult to diagnose as early clinical signs are often non-specific.
Lactoferrin is released from the secondary granules of the neutrophil granulocytes (PNL), so it can reflect granulocyte turnover rates in patients with bacterial infections (Tegtmyer et al., 1991).
The aim of this study was to delineate the role of serum lactoferrin as a marker of neonatal sepsis and comparing it with other laboratory parameters.
To achieve this aim, our study was conducted on 20 full-term septic neonates (GI) selected from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ain Shams University’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital and 10 non septic (GII) age and sex matched neonates serving as a control group. Ten of the septic group were followed up after treatment of their sepsis (GIa).
All the studied groups were subjected to detailed history taking, thorough clinical examination and the following laboratory investigations: complete blood cell count, C-reactive protein, blood culture (only in the septic group), and serum level of lactoferrin by ELISA technique.
The results of this study revealed:
• In the septic group; diminished activity and lethargy were found in 95% of this group, hypothermia was found in 80% while respiratory signs, mottling and poor penipheral perfusion and GIT manifestations were found in 75% of cases, PROM was found in 70% and bleeding tendency in 55% of cases.
Laboratory results of the septic group:
• CBC result revealed the presence of leucopenia in 40% and leucocytosis in 20% of patients and bandemia in 60% of patients. Elevated I/T ratio was detected in 50% of patients. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 85% of patients. After therapy group (GIa), showed statistical significant improvement in their CBC with no band cells.
• As regards CRP: All septic newborns showed statistically significant increased CRP which significantly decreased in GIa (after therapy).
• As regards blood culture: Positive blood culture was found in only 60% (with klebsiella in 55% and staphylococcus aureus in 5%).