C-reactive protein in pediatrics.

CRP levels have been found to be helpful in differential diagnosis and in following the clinical course and response to treatment of various disorders. Of particular interest is their value in the diagnosis of serious bacterial infections in neonates, such as meningitis, septicemia, and osteomyelitis. While no individual has been reported to be deficient in CRP, it is possible that abnormalities of CRP synthesis and function will be found. As increasing knowledge of the role of CRP accumulates, it is conceivable that CRP may acquire some therapeutic value. Increasing availability of rapid quantitative methods for CRP is likely to result in greater clinical usefulness.