[Determination of C-reactive protein in low-risk newborn infants]

We present the results of the determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) in neonates with low risk of developing infection and without obstetric trauma. In determining the values of CRP we used the technique of latex agglutination. We included 56 neonates determining the changes in the values obtained in samples of cord blood and 24 hours. At birth, in 51 cases, the CRP was negative (0.91), 4 cases were positive at a dilution 1:4 (0.07) and one case at a dilution 1:8 (0.02). At 24 hours, in 47 cases (0.84) the CRP was negative; in 6 cases (0.04), at a dilution 1:8 and one more positive result at a dilution 1:6. There was not difference in the dilutions of the CRP in relation to the moment of sampling. We suggest that the method of latex agglutination is useful in sistemating the application use of CRP in neonates.