CRP and systemic inflammatory response syndrome: In a piglet model with MAS, meconium was found to be a potent activator of complement leading to an inflammatory profile that closely resembled a systemic inflammatory response syndrome [6]. Elevations in serum inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), white cell count (WCC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and immature to total neutrophil count ratio (I/T ratio) have been observed in neonates with MAS [7-10]; however, studies that clearly elucidate the pattern of these elevations are lacking.