RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 C-reactive protein concentration as a guide to antibiotic therapy in acute leukaemia. JF Journal of Clinical Pathology JO J Clin Pathol FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists SP 866 OP 869 DO 10.1136/jcp.35.8.866 VO 35 IS 8 A1 Schofield, K P A1 Voulgari, F A1 Gozzard, D I A1 Leyland, M J A1 Beeching, N J A1 Stuart, J YR 1982 UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/35/8/866.abstract AB Serial monitoring of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was performed, using a one-hour laser-immunonephelometric assay, during 29 episodes of infection in 22 neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia. Serum CRP increased to above a diagnostic level of 100 mg/l in all 29 episodes and continued to rise progressively until appropriate antibiotics, or granulocytes, were given when it fell with a half-life of approximately three days. Serial study of the serum concentration was of value in detecting occult or unresolved bacterial infection and provided an objective means of monitoring the response to antibiotic and granulocyte therapy.