1808 Poractant Alfa Therapy Associated with C-Reactive Protein Rise

Background and Aims French and Finnish studies report a rise in C-reactive protein [CRP] after poractant alfa [PA] therapy; we have made a similar observation. Neither study excluded perinatal infection as a cause. This research hypothesized that the rise in CRP was not caused by infection but rather by a reaction to PA. Methods This study reviewed newborns weighing < 1500 g at birth with respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] and who received PA. Clinical and radiographic criteria defined RDS. Clinical and laboratory findings established that infection was not present in the mother or infant (inclusion criteria). Infants given PA were compared to infants with RDS and no therapy [NO-PA]. A CRP measurement ≥1 mg/dL was considered elevated. SPSS was used for statistical analyses. Results The 2nd and 3rd CRP rose in PA v. a decline in NO-PA [Table]. Tracheal aspirate and blood cultures had no growth in all subjects. Abstract 1808 Table 1 CRP results Group n = CRP Result t-test PA v. NO-PA 82 vs. 22 #1 0.5 +1.2 vs. 0.4+0.4 p = 0.33 PA v. NO-PA 78 vs. 14 #2 1.0+1.3 vs. 0.4+0.3 p