Time Course of C-Reactive Protein and Inflammatory Mediators after Neonatal Surgery

Objective To characterize the perioperative course of C-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory mediators in neonates ≤44 weeks’ corrected gestational age. Study design Prospective study of CRP and inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α in 55 neonates undergoing thoracic or abdominal surgery. Results In the absence of infection, CRP increased after surgery, peaking on post-operative day 2. The perioperative patterns of CRP differed by diagnosis and inflammatory state. Surgery alone did not cause an increase in CRP because in 13 of 55 infants (24%), CRP remained