摘要
In order to assess the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in neonatal sepsis, plasma TNF levels were determined by a method using L929 cells at the time of septic work-up in 67 neonates. Thirty-three patients, with sepsis were found to have significantly higher TNF levels (533. 33 ±468. 74 U/ml ; 1 U corresponding to 1. 67 pg recombinant TNF) as compared with 34 non-sepsis patients (100. 0±188, 97 U/ml) and 30 healthy newborns (27. 33±1 6. 1 7 U/ml, P<0. 05. respectively) . The upper limit of normal plasma TNF levels was 60 U/ml and the best cutoff value for predicting neonatal sepsis was 160 U/ml. This had remarkable sensitivity (88%), specificity (82%). positive predictive value (83%). and negative predictive value (88%). Plasma TNF levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of shock,organ failure. sclerema and outcome. Thus, anti-TNF antibodies might be used in protecting newborns from septic death.
