Serial CRP Evaluation for the Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis: A Prospective Observational Study.

Abstract

Aim: to evaluate the role of serial CRP evaluation in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
 Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Bihar for the period of 1 year. A total of 97 neonates suspected of sepsis having birth-weight >1,500 g constituted the study population. CRP was measured from the serum by quantitative turbidimetric immunoassay. The CRP 1 level was measured at the time of clinical presentation; CRP 2 and CRP 3 were measured at 24 and 48 hours respectively.
 Results: In the present study out of total 97 subjects, there were 59 (60.8%) males and 38 (39.2%) females. CRP was found positive in 60 cases. In the present study, lethargy (100%), decreased activity (100%), poor feeding (94.7%), poor cry (94.7%), tachypnea (89.5%), hypotonia (47.4%), hypothermia (31.6%), convulsion (26.5%), prolonged CFT (21.1%) and fever (10.5%) were the various symptoms observed.
 Conclusion: Serial CRP measurements are useful in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. CRP 3 level may virtually rule out or rule in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis, and has very good correlation with blood culture.
 Keywords: CRP, Sepsis, Neonates