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C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in babies with gastroschisis managed with preformed silos
Ashok Daya Ram1, Melanie Drewett, David Burge
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. ashokdram@hotmail.com
Insights
Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are expected to rise in infants with gastroschisis treated with a preformed silo. This elevation occurs even without infection and can help avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatology
- Inflammatory Markers
Background:
- Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect.
- Management often involves silo placement for staged closure.
- Elevated inflammatory markers can complicate clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in infants with gastroschisis.
- To assess CRP changes during preformed silo management and nonoperative closure.
- To establish a baseline for expected CRP elevation in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of CRP measurements in infants with gastroschisis.
- Inclusion criteria: preformed silo placement and nonoperative closure.
- Exclusion criteria: operative closure, surgical silo, or confirmed sepsis.
Main Results:
- Data analyzed for 43 infants.
- Median CRP at birth was 8 mg/L (range 6-55).
- Median CRP at closure significantly increased to 42 mg/L (range 35-68).
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum CRP is a normal finding in infants with gastroschisis managed via preformed silo.
- This expected elevation occurs in the absence of infection.
- Understanding these CRP levels can prevent unnecessary antibiotic administration.
Background/Purpose:
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.
