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.