Objective To investigate the changes in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25-(OH)D and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in neonates with sepsis induced by group B hemolytic streptococcus (GBS) and their clinical significance.

Methods A total of 204 children with GBS infection were elected as research objects. According to the occurrence condition of sepsis, they were divided into GBS infection group (n=103) and sepsis group (n=101), and 105 cases of healthy newborns were selected as control group. The serum 25-(OH)D and LDH levels were detected and their correlation was analyzed; the predictive value of 25-(OH)D and LDH for neonatal GBS-infected sepsis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve; the influencing factors of neonatal GBS infection sepsis were analyzed.

Results The serum 25-(OH)D level of children in the GBS infection group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the LDH level was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); the serum 25-(OH)D level of children in the sepsis group was significantly lower than that in the GBS infection group, and the LDH level was significantly higher than that in the GBS infection group (P < 0.05). The levels of serum 25-(OH)D and LDH were negatively correlated in those of neonatal GBS infected with sepsis (P < 0.05); the area under ROC curve (AUC) of 25-(OH)D and LDH combined predicted neonatal GBS infection with sepsis was greater than that of 25-(OH)D and LDH separately assessed (P < 0.05). Serum 25-(OH)D and LDH were risk factors for neonatal GBS infection with sepsis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion The serum 25-(OH)D level is abnormally decreased and LDH level is abnormally increased in neonates with GBS infected sepsis. The detection of both levels is of great significance for early prediction and prevention of neonatal GBS infected sepsis.