Significance of Acute Phase Reactants (APR) Score for the Early Detection of Neonatal Bacterial Infection

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We performed acute phase reactants (APR) test to evaluate as an appropriate screening test for the early detection of neonatal bacterial infection. METHODS: We selected 174 neonates and divided into two groups; sepsis group and well-baby group. We performed APR test. RESULTS: There are no significant difference in total leukocyte count, immature to mature rentrophil ratio, toxic granules, and platelet count between two groups. Number over two and one point of APR score in group I were significantly high compared to group II. Over two point and one point of APR score in neonatal infection had sensitivity of 58.7% and 92.3%, respectively the specificity of 95.7% and 70.0%, respectively Twenty-four cases of three point and 37 cases of two point of APR score were proved neonatal sepsis. Twenty-eight cases of over two point of APR score were positive in blood culture. CONCLUSION: APR score could be regarded as an useful test method for early detection of neonatal bacterial infection.