Sequential determination of CRP, alpha 1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin in neonatal septicaemia.
In 312 preterm and term newborn infants serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin and alpha 1-antitrypsin were measured during several days by radial immunodiffusion. In addition white blood cell count and the ratio of band to total neutrophils (B/N-ratio) were determined. In 12 infants with proven sepsis CRP was found elevated above the upper limit of the normal range (20 mg/l). Successful therapy was followed by a decrease of CRP concentration. In infants with suspected infection high CRP values were found in most cases. In contrast, haptoglobin and alpha 1-antitrypsin concentrations differed not significantly between the group of infants without infection, with proven and with suspected infection. White blood cell count and B/N-ratio also were not appropriate for the early identification of bacterial infection in the newborn period.
D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D006242:Haptoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008581:Meningitis / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis*
D006242:Haptoglobins; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein