The Value of C-Reactive Protein Concentration in the Blood in Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

ABSTRACT:BACKGROUND:Neonatal sepsis refers to systemic infections which include septicemia, pneumonia, arthritis,osteomyelitis and urinary tract infection.Infections are important cause of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality as many as 2% offetuses are infected in utero also is responsible for 30-50% of total neonatal deaths.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the role of C- reactive protein concentration in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsisand to determine the duration and follow up of treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODS:A cross sectional study was performed in the neonatal intensive care unit (N.I.C.U) at IbnAl-Balady hospital in Baghdad governorate. One hundred sixty five neonates less than 30 dayswith birth weigh more than 1500 gram suspected clinically to have neonatal sepsis and bloodwas drawn for C-reactive protein and blood culture. Also blood was drawn for complete bloodcount including WBC and differential count which was of little or no value in the diagnosis.RESULTS:C- reactive protein was sensitive (62%) (by immunometric test) a method for early diagnosisand for treatment and follow up of neonatal sepsis.CONCLUSION:C- reactive protein was good predictor and sensitive (62%) for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis andcould detect the duration of antibiotic therapy. Hematological profile was not significant indiagnosis of neonatal sepsis.