Objective::To evaluate the expression and diagnostic value of levels of the microRNAs (miRNAs), miRNA-181a, miRNA-23b, and miRNA-16, in late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) and compare them with the diagnostic utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.Methods::This was a prospective diagnostic study conducted between January 2021 and March 2023 at a tertiary care center (Sri Ramachandra Hospital) in India. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine miRNA-181a, miRNA-23b, and miRNA-16 expression levels, and CRP was measured by nephelometry. The diagnostic value of miRNA and CRP levels were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. ROC curves were utilized to determine optimal cutoff points, and Mann–Whitney tests were performed using SPSS to ascertain P values, with statistical significance defined as <0.05.Results::This study included 100 samples, with 50 cases of culture-proven LOS (27 females, 23 males) and 50 healthy controls (31 females, 19 males). In LOS, miRNA-181a and miRNA-23b expression levels were significantly downregulated ( P < 0.001), with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.83 and 0.92, respectively, whereas those of miRNA-16 were significantly upregulated ( P < 0.001; AUC = 0.97). In comparison, CRP levels had an AUC value of 0.831 ( P < 0.001). Further, miRNA-23b showed the highest sensitivity (98%) of markers tested, whereas miRNA-16 exhibited the highest specificity (96%). Conclusion::MiRNA, especially miRNA-16, shows diagnostic potential for neonatal sepsis compared with traditional biomarkers like CRP and procalcitonin, suggesting its use as an early marker for LOS. However, further cohort studies are needed before practical application.

Objective::To evaluate the expression and diagnostic value of levels of the microRNAs (miRNAs), miRNA-181a, miRNA-23b, and miRNA-16, in late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) and compare them with the diagnostic utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.Methods::This was a prospective diagnostic study conducted between January 2021 and March 2023 at a tertiary care center (Sri Ramachandra Hospital) in India. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine miRNA-181a, miRNA-23b, and miRNA-16 expression levels, and CRP was measured by nephelometry. The diagnostic value of miRNA and CRP levels were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. ROC curves were utilized to determine optimal cutoff points, and Mann–Whitney tests were performed using SPSS to ascertain P values, with statistical significance defined as <0.05.Results::This study included 100 samples, with 50 cases of culture-proven LOS (27 females, 23 males) and 50 healthy controls (31 females, 19 males). In LOS, miRNA-181a and miRNA-23b expression levels were significantly downregulated ( P < 0.001), with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.83 and 0.92, respectively, whereas those of miRNA-16 were significantly upregulated ( P < 0.001; AUC = 0.97). In comparison, CRP levels had an AUC value of 0.831 ( P < 0.001). Further, miRNA-23b showed the highest sensitivity (98%) of markers tested, whereas miRNA-16 exhibited the highest specificity (96%). Conclusion::MiRNA, especially miRNA-16, shows diagnostic potential for neonatal sepsis compared with traditional biomarkers like CRP and procalcitonin, suggesting its use as an early marker for LOS. However, further cohort studies are needed before practical application.

Meconium peritonitis as a cause of non-immune hydrops in neonates is rarely reported. Here we report such a rare occurrence. In our case, a routine antenatal scan at 25 weeks revealed isolated ascites. By 31 weeks of gestation, all features of hydrops were observed in scans. However, antenatal workup for immune and non-immune hydrops was negative. Subsequently, a preterm hydropic female baby was delivered at 32 weeks. She required intubation and ventilator support. An X-ray revealed calcification in the abdomen suggestive of meconium peritonitis. Ultrasound showed gross ascites, a giant cyst compressing the inferior vena cava, and minimal bilateral pleural effusion. Emergency laparotomy revealed meconium pellets and perforation of the ileum. Double-barrel ileostomy was performed, and the edema resolved and activity improved. The baby was discharged after 3 weeks. Ileostomy closure was done at follow-up. The baby is growing well.
Abdomen ; Ascites ; Edema ; Emergencies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hydrops Fetalis ; Ileostomy ; Ileum ; Infant, Newborn ; Intubation ; Laparotomy ; Meconium ; Peritonitis ; Pleural Effusion ; Pregnancy ; Ultrasonography ; Vena Cava, Inferior ; Ventilators, Mechanical