The cost-effectiveness and value of C-reactive protein in the diagnosis and management of neonatal late-onset sepsis in resource-limited settings

Abstract

Background. Although C-reactive protein (CRP) is used as a biomarker, its value in resource-limited settings for diagnosis and management of late-onset sepsis in neonates has not been reported previously.

Objective. To evaluate the value of CRP as a biomarker in identifying late-onset sepsis in symptomatic infants.

Method. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the value of CRP as a biomarker in identifying late-onset sepsis in symptomatic infants. Infants were classified into three groups (blood culture-proven sepsis (n=72), clinical sepsis (n=38) and no sepsis (n=114)). Infants underwent sepsis work-up consisting of complete blood count (CBC), blood culture, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture including CRP measurements.

Results. The overall sensitivity and specificity of CRP levels >10 μg/mL was 94.5% and 91.2%, respectively, for the diagnosis of late-onset sepsis. Positive predictive value was 91.2% and negative predictive value was 92.8%. Total white blood cell (WBC) counts had poor sensitivity and specificity compared with CRP. The cost for CRP testing was only 2.5% of the total cost for sepsis work-up in neonates.

Conclusion. Our study indicates that CRP has excellent sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of late-onset sepsis. In low- and middle-income countries, CRP testing perhaps offers more value compared with W14BC counts.

Keywords. CRP; late-onset sepsis; neonates; cost-effectiveness; value.