ABSTRACT
To assess the role of serum C-reactive protein in the rapid diagnosis of neonatal sepsis, a prospective study has carried out on pediatric patients. The study was carried out at the neonatal ICU of CMH Sialkot from July 2000 to March 2001. All patients were assessed by a thorough history and examination and then segregated into various groups. Their intravenous blood samples were taken and then subjected to battery of investigations. Statistical analysis of the observations was carried out in the form of sensitivity, specificity, positive predicative value and negative predicative value. Significance of the tests was also computed in form of p value. Serum CRP has got the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value when compared with total leukocyte count, platelet count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate From this study, it was inferred that serum CRP helps in the early and rapid diagnosis of neonatal sepsis