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A breakthrough study from the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has identified several proteins in umbilical cord blood that signal acute systemic inflammation, providing an objective and noninvasive way to detect early onset sepsis in preterm newborns. The findings, published in JCI Insight, could significantly improve the care of premature infants by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and its associated risks.
Early onset sepsis (EOS), which typically occurs within the first 72 hours of life and is more common in preterm infants, is notoriously difficult to diagnose based on clinical signs alone. As a result, many newborns—especially those with very low birth weight—are started on antibiotics immediately after delivery while awaiting laboratory results. Nationally, 78% of very low birth weight infants receive antibiotics after birth, and about 25% continue antibiotic therapy even when blood cultures are negative, due to ongoing clinical suspicion.
“Cord blood is an excellent source of information on the state of the baby’s health at the time of delivery,” said Dr. Leena B. Mithal, pediatric infectious diseases specialist and lead author of the study. “Cord blood biomarker results can be available within 24 hours, allowing physicians to rule out early onset sepsis and discontinue antibiotics with more confidence. This could be an important advance in the care of premature infants.”
The research team also developed a machine learning diagnostic algorithm based on cord blood biomarkers and risk factors for early onset sepsis. This innovation, which has a patent pending, could further streamline and personalize care for at-risk infants1.
The study’s approach is supported by previous research showing that acute phase reactants like C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (Hp) are significantly elevated in the cord blood of infants with confirmed sepsis, providing robust predictive value. These biomarkers, combined with advanced analytics, offer a promising path toward earlier, more accurate diagnosis.
The next step will be to validate these findings through multicenter studies and clinical trials, ensuring the test’s reliability and effectiveness across diverse patient populations.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on recent scientific research and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
