C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein in neonatal infections

In this study, we examine C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid protei n A (SAA). Although the former is the best known and most commonly used ind icator of inflammation, certain considerations underline the inadequacy of CRP determination alone for the early diagnosis of infection. In fact sympt oms often precede the CRP elevation. SAA protein comprises a family of poly morphic apolipoproteins produced mainly by the liver, and several studies h ave stressed its importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of various dise ases. Pathological SAA values are often detected in association with normal CRP concentrations. SAA rises earlier and more sharply than CRP. Finally, contrary to CRP, SAA presents the same trend in viral as well as bacterial infections. Although the data available on SAA in neonates are currently ve ry limited, it is possible to postulate a role of primary importance for SA A in the management of neonatal infections.