J Korean Pediatr Soc.  1998 Nov;41(11):1491-1497.

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

• Kim SW
• Oh MH
• Kim KH
• Sim JG

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.

Keyword

Acute phase reactants (APR); Neonatal bacterial infection

MeSH Terms

Acute-Phase Proteins*
Bacterial Infections*
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Leukocyte Count
Mass Screening
Platelet Count
Sensitivity and Specificity
Sepsis
Acute-Phase Proteins