CONCENTRATION OF SERUM b2–MICROGLOBULIN
IN NEWBORNS WITH GENERALISED INFECTION PRELIMINARY REPORT
Furmaga-Jabłońska W, Szponar E
Department of
Paediatrics, Medical University School of Lublin, Poland
Objective: The aim of our study was to establish diagnostic
value of serum b2–microglobulin (b2m) level in the newborns
with generalized infection.
Methods: 89 AGA newborns with suspicion of general
infection were investigated. A number of laboratory diagnostic and
bacteriological tests were currently done in all the neonates. The serum (b2m) level was assessed
with fluoroimmunological method (DELFIA). Statistic was done with t-Student
test. P < 0,05 was regarded as significant.
Results: According to laboratory and bacteriological
findings the infection was diagnosed in 63 newborns (70.8%) and the mean
serum level of b2m in this group was 3.2±1.0 mg/l. In 26 newborns
(29.2%) laboratory findings were negative and the mean level of b2m in this group was 3.6±0.6 mg/l (normal ranges
of b2m in newborns: 2.9–3.9 mg/l).
There were no statistical differences (p>0.05) in level of b2m within the groups
(p>0.05). In 13 neonates (14.6%) bacterial cultures of the blood were
positive, in 76 newborns (85.4%) the blood cultures were negative. There
were no statistical differences between the level of b2m in newborns with
positive (3.3±0.9mg/l) and negative
blood cultures (3.2±1.0 mg/l). No
statistical correlations were found between the b2m level and other
laboratory tests in newborns with generalized infection.
Conclusion: the level of b2m is not a sensitive
marker of general infection in newborns.