Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis in low resource settings: C-reactive protein or procalcitonin?

Abstract

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biological marker currently used in the diagnosis of several infectious diseases. It has been widely used in the diagnosis and follow-up of treatment in neonatal sepsis. With the recent development of newer diagnostic markers, especially procalcitonin (PCT) that are more specific and sensitive though more expensive, the role of CRP requires appraisal. We sought to re-examine its use in low resource settings that carry the highest burden and mortality from neonatal sepsis. We argue that it is easy to perform, cost-effective and is still a valuable tool for making quick decisions in the diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis, despite new emerging biological markers.

Keywords

C-reactive protein - procalcitonin - neonatal sepsis - diagnosis - low resource settings