Which biomarkers are described as early markers of neonatal sepsis?

• A. CRP and Procalcitonin
• B. CBC and ESR
• C. Platelet count and fibrinogen
• D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit

Answer: (A)

Early detection of neonatal sepsis relies on biomarkers that rise quickly with infection. Procalcitonin increases in response to bacterial infection and tends to rise within hours, making it useful for identifying sepsis early. C-reactive protein also rises rapidly as part of the acute-phase response, typically within 6–12 hours of onset. Together, these two biomarkers provide earlier signal of infection than routine tests. By contrast, CBC and ESR often lag behind or are influenced by noninfectious factors; platelet count and fibrinogen reflect coagulation status rather than initial infection, and hemoglobin with hematocrit measure oxygen-carrying capacity rather than inflammatory response. So the combination of CRP and Procalcitonin best describes early markers of neonatal sepsis.