Doppler Ultrasound–Derived Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Resistive Index as Diagnostic Markers of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis: A Cross-sectional Study
Vikrant Balote, Venkatesh HA, Rajath Pejaver, Karthik Nagesh
Abstract
Aim: To determine the utility of Doppler ultrasound–derived cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity and resistive index as diagnostic markers of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS)
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 130 neonates admitted to NICU, who were divided into 2 groups: (i) preterm (born at 28–36 wk) and (ii) term (born at ≥ 37 wk) groups. They were further divided into 2 groups: (i) sepsis group and (ii) nonsepsis group. In all these neonates, the Doppler ultrasound–derived velocities of middle cerebral artery were documented and analyzed at 24 hours of life. The cutoff point was determined, and the sensitivity and specificity of Doppler indices were derived.
Results: No significant change was noted in CBF in neonates in sepsis and nonsepsis groups. In both the groups, none of the Doppler indices was noted to have high specificity and sensitivity for selected cutoff points.
Conclusion: No significant changes were observed in the Doppler ultrasound–derived CBF velocities and resistive indices. Hence, it is inconclusive whether these 2 parameters can be used as diagnostic markers of EONS.
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