C-Reactive Protein Level Predicts SBI in Febrile Neonates

In well-appearing neonates with fever without a source, CRP measured more than 12 hours after fever onset was a better predictor of severe bacterial infection than ANC or WBC.

Historically, clinical and laboratory findings alone have been unreliable for identifying febrile neonates who are at risk for severe bacterial infection (SBI), with the recommended standard of care including full septic work-up, antibiotics, and hospital admission. In an observational study, researchers assessed the accuracy of laboratory markers for predicting SBI in 99 well-appearing neonates (age range, 7–28 days) who presented to a single tertiary pediatric emergency department in Italy within 12 hours of onset of fever without a source. All infants were tested for white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) at presentation, and 58 infants with normal values underwent repeat testing more …

Reviewing Author

Katherine Bakes, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier)

Grant/Research SupportDepartment of Justice

Editorial BoardsEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier); Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (Elsevier)

Katherine Bakes, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier)

Grant/Research SupportDepartment of Justice

Editorial BoardsEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier); Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (Elsevier)

C-Reactive Protein Level Predicts SBI in Febrile Neonates

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Reviewing Author