Frequency of Raised C - Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Clinically Suspected Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Introduction: Despite increasing knowledge of pathophysiology and modern therapeutic approaches, the mortality and morbidity associated with Neonatal sepsis remains alarmingly high. Its clinical features are non-specific and can be confused with many other diseases. This study is done to find out some rapid and reliable diagnostic tool in early detection of neonatal sepsis, thereby allowing prompt management and treatment of suspected cases. Objective: To determine the frequency of raised C - reactive protein in the diagnosis of suspected neonatal sepsis. Study design: Cross sectional survey. Setting: neonatal unit of pediatric medicine department of Chaudhry Rehmat Ali Memorial Trust Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Duration of study: Six months from 01-10-2012 to 31-03-2013. Sample size: The calculated sample size is 140 cases. Sampling technique: Non probability purposive sampling. Data collection procedure: Data was collected by taking the history and physical examination of cases admitted in neonatal unit. C reactive protein was checked at bedside through quick read commercially available kits. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 12 and entered in Proforma. Results: Majority of neonates in our study population; 66 among 84(79.4%) with early onset sepsis (with in first 3 days of life) and 48 among 56 (85.7%) with late onset sepsis (4 to 28 days) has raised C reactive level for i - e  ≥6 mg%. Conclusion: CRP is a readily available, inexpensive, reliable and highly sensitive marker in detection of neonatal sepsis.