Is neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio an accurate predictor of neonatal sepsis in premature infants?

Background: Sepsis is a significant cause of neonatal mortality. Both clinical and laboratory markers are often non- specific, and a blood culture contaminant may confuse management of the infant. This study aims to use an existing, inexpensive test, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), to predict culture positivity and thus optimise antibiotic management.