Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate Creactive protein(CRP) as a screening tool for neonatal sepsis. CRP is one of the most studied and most used laboratory tests for neonatal sepsis. As part of the acute phase reaction to infection, it plays a central role in the humoral response to bacterial invasion. CRP is useful for monitoring the response to treatment and guiding antibiotic therapy. 75 neonates with risk factors and clinical features suggestive of CRP sepsis were selected as per operational definition and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed physical examination was carried out. Blood sample for culture and CRP was taken from all neonates. CRP performed by semi quantitative latex agglutination method. Positive culture were the ‘gold standard’ against which the performance of CRP, abnormal white blood cell count (WBC) and platelet count were compared. Among 75 septic screens, 40 (53.33%) neonates had positive cultures. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of CRP was 92.5%, 89.74%, 90.24% respectively. Abnormal platelet count had lowest specificity(62.86%) and sensitivity(37.5%) among them. CRP assay is a valuable adjuvent in screening for neonatal sepsis, complementing clinical decisionmaking.
Keywords: CReactive Protein; Acute Phase Reactant; Neonatal Sepsis.