C-reactive protein in otherwise well babies with risk factors for sepsis

Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of death in UK neonates. Early diagnosis is life-saving in these babies; however, over-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment and prolonged hospital stay. Although C-reactive protein (CRP) is routinely used in the diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis, its usefulness is variable. This study assessed the correlation between CRP values and blood/cerebrospinal fluid culture findings in otherwise well infants treated for sepsis due to the presence of risk factors.

Elinor Charles, Imelda Nolan, Ann Hickey, Anne Greenough, Zainab Kassim