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Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis refers to systemic infections which include septicemia, pneumonia, arthritis, osteomyelitis and urinary tract infection. Infections are important cause of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality as many as 2% of fetuses are infected in utero also is responsible for 30-50% of total neonatal deaths. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of C- reactive protein concentration in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and to determine the duration and follow up of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed in the neonatal intensive care unit (N.I.C.U) at Ibn Al-Balady hospital in Baghdad governorate. One hundred sixty five neonates less than 30 days with birth weigh more than 1500 gram suspected clinically to have neonatal sepsis and blood was drawn for C-reactive protein and blood culture. Also blood was drawn for complete blood count including WBC and differential count which was of little or no value in the diagnosis. RESULTS: C- reactive protein was sensitive (62%) (by immunometric test) a method for early diagnosis and for treatment and follow up of neonatal sepsis. CONCLUSION: C- reactive protein was good predictor and sensitive (62%) for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and could detect the duration of antibiotic therapy. Hematological profile was not significant in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

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