CRP levels in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) septic infants.

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.