title: C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in babies with gastroschisis managed with preformed silos.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of elevation of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in infants with gastroschisis managed by placement of a preformed silo and subsequent nonoperative closure.
  
  
  METHODS
  CRP measurements were collected prospectively in infants with gastroschisis undergoing preformed silo placement until defect closure. Infants requiring operative closure or surgical silo placement were excluded as were any infants with confirmed sepsis during the closure period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were available for 43 infants. Median CRP at birth was 8 mg/L (range 6 to 55) rising to 42 mg/L (range 35 to 68) at the time of closure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elevation of serum CRP levels is to be expected in infants with gastroschisis managed with a preformed silo in the absence of infection. This data may be used to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics in this group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. ashokdram@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ashok Daya
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Ram
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drewett
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Burge
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001915:Braces; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D020139:Gastroschisis / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein