Background: Neonatal sepsis remains an important clinical syndrome despite advances in neonatology. Early diagnosis and adequate antibiotic treatment are required because of high rates of mortality and morbidity, especially in developing countries. Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is difficult because of nonspecific signs and symptoms, and noninfectious diseases may mimic neonatal sepsis. Hence this study evaluates the role of certain new parameter in neonatal sepsis. Material and method: Before antibiotic therapy, blood samples for VCS parameters i.e. Volume, conductivity and scatter parameters of neutrophils and for culture were taken from patients with a diagnosis of sepsis. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Student t test was used to compare 2 groups. Data included total WBC counts, percentage of neutrophils, and the VCS parameters of neutrophils, which were generated by each individual cell passing through the aperture and were optically and electronically measured by the Coulter LH 780 (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA). VCS parameters were evaluated on the same day of sepsis diagnosis. Results: There were 55 cases and 10 controls. For each case total WBC counts, percentage of neutrophils, and the VCS parameters of neutrophils, CRP were noted. After the statistical analysis there was no statistically significant difference among cases and controls in relation to any of the parameters except for conductivity (C) of neutrophils. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion with or without lab evidences of infection is the key for early diagnosis. Prompt institution of antibiotic therapy and supportive care will save most of the cases of neonatal sepsis.

Keywords: Neonatal Sepsis; VCS Parameters; CRP.