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Abstract
Objective: Testing the validity of C-reactive protein (CRP) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
Methods: During a five-year period, 483 infants with probable (36%) and definite sepsis (64%) were enrolled in the study.
Results: ELBW infants with definitive sepsis had CRP levels comparable with full-terms (p = 0.992). However, the highest (hs) values were observed in infants >2500 g, 24 h after the septic work up whereas in those with birth weight (BW) <1000 g after 48 h. Highest CRP levels of infants with early sepsis were similar to those of the late onset ones (p = 0.825). The causative microorganism had a strong influence on CRP values, as Gram negative germs produced significantly higher CRP levels in comparison to infants with Gram positive sepsis.
Conclusions: Highest CRP values in <1000 g infants increase in levels comparable to full terms, but with a 24-h delay.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.