Significance of C-reactive protein in Neonatal Sepsis in Diyala Province, Iraq, Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Background: C-reactive protein is a well-recognized acute phase reactant that is greatly involved to support the diagnosis of neonatal septicemia. Objectives: To high light the correlation between C- reactive protein and neonatal septicemia. Patients and Method: A cross sectional study on hundred neonates infant demonstrated to have sepsis were studied during the period from 1st October 2014 to 28th February 2015. One group study was evaluated; age ranged from 29 week gestational age to 29 days post-natal. The data of patients in the group study collected from Al- Batool Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children - neonatal intensive care unit. Result: There were 100 patients included in this study; that 61 patients (61%) were pre term (29 to 36 weeks gestational age), 39 patients (39%) were full term 37 weeks’ gestational weeks - 29 days post-natal). Males were 56 (56%), and females were 44 (44%). Fifty-seven (57%) were delivered by vaginal delivery; were as 43 (43%) delivered by caesarian section. The C- reactive protein level correlate well with the diagnosis of the neonatal sepsis as 86 (86%) patients had a positive result versus 14 (14%) who had negative results. Conclusions: C-reactive protein is very useful, cheep, and available test to confirm the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and to follow the response of the patients to the antibiotic treatment.