Study of C-reactive protein in healthy neonates

Abstract

Introduction:C-reactive protein is widely used marker for early detection of neonatal sepsis. There is reported wide variation in normal CRP level of new born as well as its sensitivity and specificity regarding its use as an indicator for sepsis. It is known that cascade of events in sepsis leading to rise of CRP may take few hours to days to increase;therefore predictive value is higher after 24 to 48 hours of infection. Considering the above factors this work was taken to know the normal pattern of CRP during initial days of birth in healthy neonates & to have a cut off value.

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in association with pediatric& biochemistry department in IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar to observe normal CRP level during zero hour (cord blood) and 48hours in apparently healthy new born babies. Babies having perinatal asphyxia and other severe complications and babies of mother with preexisting chronic diseases were excluded from the study. CRP was estimated by turbidometry method. Data were collected and analyzed with appropriate statistical application.

Results: After excluding babies as per exclusion criteria, finally 48 new born data were included for study and analysis. Upper reference value for CRP at birth & at 48hrs was established. CRP value was small in cord blood healthy newborn babies. There is significant rise in CRP by 48hrs compared to that at birth. Maternal problems like PROM, perinatal fetal distress and gestational hypertension affected CRP positively.

Conclusion:Maternal and fetal factors can affect the neonatal CRP value and should be kept in mind while considering CRP as an indicator of sepsis.