Early- vs. Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis: The Predictive Role of Hemoglobin, Delivery Mode, and Inflammatory Indices

Purpose: To identify maternal, perinatal, and neonatal factors distinguishing early-onset sepsis (EOS) from late-onset sepsis (LOS).Methods: This retrospective study included 74 neonates with sepsis (April 2022 and April 2025) with complete maternal laboratory data.EOS was defined as ≤72 h (n=34) and LOS as >72 h (n=40).Maternal/perinatal variables, neonatal laboratory parameters (including hemoglobin), and inflammatory indices [neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index, pan-immune-inflammation value] were compared.Predictors were assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Results: Cesarean delivery, in vitro fertilization, and maternal antibiotic use were more frequent in LOS (p