Can a Routine Blood Count Save Lives?: Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio

Abstract

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an emerging, low-cost biomarker for neonatal sepsis, offering potential advantages over conventional laboratory criteria and delayed blood cultures. This systematic review found consistently higher NLR values in septic neonates, though substantial heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for standardized definitions and prospective validation, particularly in late-onset sepsis.