Role of CSF-CRP as a Diagnostic Marker in Neonatal Meningitis

Abstract Background: Cerebrospinal fluid C-reactive protein (CSF-CRP) in adults and children has been shown to be useful for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis; however, it has not been evaluated in neonates. Objective: To study the role of CSF-CRP as a diagnostic marker in neonatal meningitis and determine optimal cut-offs for diagnosis. Study Design: Prospective observational study from June 2017 to December 2017. Methodology: Routine CSF analysis along with CSF-CRP was performed in neonates who qualified for lumbar puncture. Results: At a cut-off value of 3.8 mg/L, CSF-CRP had a sensitivity of 0.96 and a specificity of 0.44, with positive and negative predictive values of 0.63 and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: CSF-CRP has higher diagnostic efficiency than other CSF markers. At a value of 3.8 mg/L, it has a high sensitivity and a negative predictive value to rule out meningitis.