Measurements of C-Reactive Protein for Successful Management and Follow-Up Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis and Nosocomial Infection

摘要

Objective: To develop an optimal follow-up treatment for neonatal and nosocomial infections and to examine correlations between the C-reactive protein (C-RP) and platelets. Methods: A sample of 27 septic neonates and 14 non-septic neonates were selected for this study. The non-septic neonates served as a control group. Blood samples were collected from both groups and analyzed for bacterial contamination via blood culture, complete blood count (CBC), and C-RP, according to international laboratory standards. Blood collection and analysis were repeated every day during the follow-up treatments with antibiotics to evaluate the kinetics of C-RP. Results: Blood culture found E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the blood of the septic cases. Serum C-RP concentrations were at high levels (24 mg/dl) in the septic neonates and at normal levels (lower than 6 mg/dl) in the control group. Treatment with active antibiotics resulted in a drastic reduction of the C-RP values and helped to reach a normal level as in the control group. On the other hand, there were increases in the platelet levels as the C-RP levels decreased. This result indicates a strong negative association between C-RP and platelet levels in the septic group only. Statistical analysis shows significant differences between the mean C-RP serum concentrations of the sepsis and non-sepsis. Conclusion: blood culture, active antibiotics, and kinetic C-RP measurements during the medical follow-up treatment are strong driving parameters for the optimal and successful management of sepsis.