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 s...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.展开更多
文摘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.
