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What Does Positive CRP In Blood Test Of Fetus Indicate?
Question: Regarding my New born 3 days old kid: My newborn kid detected with
"C-Reactive Protein" Positive in Blood test. Doctor told , it is because of infection. However, they are not clear what caused infection and how long treatment is required.
Also, he has jaundice with bilirubin levels above 16mg. I am worried, whether it is typical problem or he is going to face some serious health issues. Doctors are not very transparent which is more worrisome. Please advise
1. What is this infectional all about?
2. Is it indicating some serious issues of my kids health in future?
3. Are those Antibiotics are safe for 3 days old kid.
4. Is that infection is external. I mean, whether it has come after birth due to some serious contamination or he born with it ?
5. What is the best treatment
"C-Reactive Protein" Positive in Blood test. Doctor told , it is because of infection. However, they are not clear what caused infection and how long treatment is required.
Also, he has jaundice with bilirubin levels above 16mg. I am worried, whether it is typical problem or he is going to face some serious health issues. Doctors are not very transparent which is more worrisome. Please advise
1. What is this infectional all about?
2. Is it indicating some serious issues of my kids health in future?
3. Are those Antibiotics are safe for 3 days old kid.
4. Is that infection is external. I mean, whether it has come after birth due to some serious contamination or he born with it ?
5. What is the best treatment
Brief Answer:
Treatment with antibiotics essential
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting on healthcaremagic. I have gone through the details but need a few other details:
1. Was the baby born preterm. If so, how early?
2. Birth weight of the baby. Did the baby cry at birth?
3. Health of the mother and mode of delivery. Any complications? When did the membranes rupture?
4. Reports for total leukocyte count and differential count. Ask your doctor about it.
5. Any specific conditions that made the doctors test for CRP?
6. Value of CRP
7. Blood group of the mother and baby.
Please get back with the details and I will help you.
Now coming to the explanation. C-reactive protein is an acute phase reactant, the rise of which indicates infection or inflammation. The infection can either be acquired before, at or soon after birth. Prolonged rupture of membrane may expose a baby to infection. Early onset indicates prior onset of infection, probably before birth. Antibiotics need to be given and they are safe and you need not worry. If the infection gets controlled, no long term complications are expected.
Prior to birth, as the baby needs to extract oxygen from the mother, its haemoglobin concentration is higher than the mother. The extra haemoglobin breaks down after birth producing bilirubin which causes jaundice around the third day of life. It is not a cause of concern except when it is due to incompatibility between maternal and child's blood group. Otherwise simple exposure to a certain light brings down the bilirubin.
I would wait for your response.
Treatment with antibiotics essential
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting on healthcaremagic. I have gone through the details but need a few other details:
1. Was the baby born preterm. If so, how early?
2. Birth weight of the baby. Did the baby cry at birth?
3. Health of the mother and mode of delivery. Any complications? When did the membranes rupture?
4. Reports for total leukocyte count and differential count. Ask your doctor about it.
5. Any specific conditions that made the doctors test for CRP?
6. Value of CRP
7. Blood group of the mother and baby.
Please get back with the details and I will help you.
Now coming to the explanation. C-reactive protein is an acute phase reactant, the rise of which indicates infection or inflammation. The infection can either be acquired before, at or soon after birth. Prolonged rupture of membrane may expose a baby to infection. Early onset indicates prior onset of infection, probably before birth. Antibiotics need to be given and they are safe and you need not worry. If the infection gets controlled, no long term complications are expected.
Prior to birth, as the baby needs to extract oxygen from the mother, its haemoglobin concentration is higher than the mother. The extra haemoglobin breaks down after birth producing bilirubin which causes jaundice around the third day of life. It is not a cause of concern except when it is due to incompatibility between maternal and child's blood group. Otherwise simple exposure to a certain light brings down the bilirubin.
I would wait for your response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Doctor,
Thank you for the reply. Sorry, I was in hospital to take care of my kid. Hence, I could not answer you back on time.
Following is the information required by you
1. Was the baby born preterm. If so, how early?
No, he born on end of 40th week, through C-section
2. Birth weight of the baby. Did the baby cry at birth?
3.5 kg, yes he did cry at birth
3. Health of the mother and mode of delivery. Any complications? When did the membranes rupture?
Mother is ok, C section, ( i do not know about the membrane rupture)
4. Reports for total leukocyte count and differential count. Ask your doctor about it
Seems, it is not performed.
.
5. Any specific conditions that made the doctors test for CRP?
Baby was looking yellowish on 2nd day on wards. They suspected
6. Value of CRP
12mg/ml
7. Blood group of the mother and baby.
Mother- O+ve, baby = B+Ve
In addition, following is the progress in the last couple of days.
1. CRP has become negative after I-V anti biotic treatment ( Taxim)for 3 days
2. Bilrubin in serum has come down from 16.3 to 12.0 mg after Phototherapy for 48 hours.
He was discharged today and being continued oral Antibiotic therapy. (taxim drops)
Thank you for the reply. Sorry, I was in hospital to take care of my kid. Hence, I could not answer you back on time.
Following is the information required by you
1. Was the baby born preterm. If so, how early?
No, he born on end of 40th week, through C-section
2. Birth weight of the baby. Did the baby cry at birth?
3.5 kg, yes he did cry at birth
3. Health of the mother and mode of delivery. Any complications? When did the membranes rupture?
Mother is ok, C section, ( i do not know about the membrane rupture)
4. Reports for total leukocyte count and differential count. Ask your doctor about it
Seems, it is not performed.
.
5. Any specific conditions that made the doctors test for CRP?
Baby was looking yellowish on 2nd day on wards. They suspected
6. Value of CRP
12mg/ml
7. Blood group of the mother and baby.
Mother- O+ve, baby = B+Ve
In addition, following is the progress in the last couple of days.
1. CRP has become negative after I-V anti biotic treatment ( Taxim)for 3 days
2. Bilrubin in serum has come down from 16.3 to 12.0 mg after Phototherapy for 48 hours.
He was discharged today and being continued oral Antibiotic therapy. (taxim drops)
Brief Answer:
Things seem fine
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for replying back. It is good to hear that the baby is doing well. I had already explained about physiological jaundice and blood group incompatibility is unlikely here. Taxim is a basic antibiotic and the course should be completed. Give exclusive breast feeding to the baby and things should be fine. Wish you and your child health.
Things seem fine
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for replying back. It is good to hear that the baby is doing well. I had already explained about physiological jaundice and blood group incompatibility is unlikely here. Taxim is a basic antibiotic and the course should be completed. Give exclusive breast feeding to the baby and things should be fine. Wish you and your child health.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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