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A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
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The Relationship Between Blood Culture, C-reactive Protein, and Neonatal Sepsis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Amjed A Ali1, Mustafa Ahmed2, Sufian K Noor1
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile Valley University, Khartoum, SDN.
Cureus
|April 24, 2024
Summary
High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels strongly correlate with positive blood cultures in neonatal sepsis cases. This finding is particularly notable in preterm and very low birth weight infants, aiding in sepsis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of newborn morbidity and mortality.
- Diagnosing neonatal sepsis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs.
- Sepsis onset varies, being most rapid in premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between positive blood cultures and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in neonatal sepsis.
- To explore the diagnostic utility of CRP in identifying neonatal sepsis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional study conducted over four months in Sudan.
- Data collected from 71 neonatal patients.
- Blood cultures and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured for all participants.
Main Results:
- A high CRP level (>10 mg/L) was observed in 55.3% of patients with positive blood cultures.
- Preterm infants showed elevated CRP (>10 mg/dL) and positive cultures in 61.1% and 55.6% of cases, respectively.
- Very low birth weight infants exhibited higher rates: CRP >10 mg/dL (83.3%) and positive cultures (67%).
Conclusions:
- Klebsiella species are identified as a significant pathogen in neonatal sepsis.
- Elevated CRP levels were predominantly found in neonates with confirmed sepsis.
- A strong correlation exists between CRP levels and blood culture results, suggesting CRP's value in prioritizing sepsis management.
