Abstract
This study was designed to explore whether C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum is helpful in assessing the etiologic diagnosis of acute otitis media (AOM) in children. CRP was measured serially by a radial immunodiffusion method in sera from 67 children with AOM and in 67 matched controls, affected by noninfectious neurologic disorders. In the study group 43 (64%) children had a confirmed bacterial AOM and 24 (36%) showed no bacterial growth from middle ear fluid. The upper limit of CRP in controls was 15 mg/liter. Concentrations of CRP in patients with bacterial AOM ranged from 15 mg/liter. In the patients with sterile middle ear fluid CRP ranged from 15 mg/liter. CRP >15 mg/liter showed sensitivity of 72%, specificity of 33%, predictive value of a positive test of 66% and predictive value of a negative test of 40%, in detecting bacterial AOM. Measurement of CRP should not be used in the decision regarding antimicrobial therapy for AOM in children.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Pediatric Infectious Disease |
Pages | 525-527 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Volume | 5 |
Edition | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1986 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology (medical)
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Medicine(all)