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Neonatal sepsis is a blood infection that occurs in an infant younger than 90 days old. Early-onset sepsis is seen in the first week of life. Late-onset sepsis occurs between days 8 and 89.
Alternative NamesSepsis neonatorum; Neonatal septicemia; Sepsis - infant
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA number of different bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E.coli), Listeria, and certain strains of streptococcus, may cause neonatal sepsis.
Early-onset neonatal sepsis most often appears within 24 hours of birth. The baby gets the infection from the mother before or during delivery. The following increases an infant's risk of early-onset sepsis:
- Group B streptococcus (group b strep) infection during pregnancy
- Preterm delivery
- Rupture of membranes (placenta tissue) that lasts longer than 24 hours
- Infection of the placenta tissues and amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis)
Babies with late-onset neonatal sepsis get infected after delivery. The following increase an infant's risk of sepsis after delivery:
- Having a catheter in a blood vessel for a long time
- Staying in the hospital for an extended period of time
Infants with neonatal sepsis may have the following symptoms:
- Body temperature changes
- Breathing problems
- Diarrhea
- Low blood sugar
- Reduced movements
- Reduced sucking
- Seizures
- Slow heart rate
- Swollen belly area
- Vomiting
- Yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Laboratory tests can help diagnose neonatal sepsis and identify the bacteria that is causing the infection. Blood tests may include:
- Blood culture
- C-reactive protein
- Complete blood count (CBC)
A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) will be done to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for bacteria.
If the baby has a cough or problems breathing, a chest x-ray will be taken.
Urine culture tests are done in babies older than several days.
TreatmentBabies in the hospital and those younger than 4 weeks old are started on antibiotics before lab results are back. (Lab results may take 24-72 hours.) This practice has saved many lives.
Older babies may not be given antibiotics if all lab results are within normal limits. Instead, the child may be followed closely on an outpatient basis.
Babies who do require treatment will be admitted to the hospital for monitoring.
Expectations (prognosis)With prompt treatment, many babies with these bacterial infections will recover completely with no remaining problems. Nevertheless, neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of infant death. The more quickly an infant receives treatment, the better the outcome.
Complications- Disability
- Death
Seek immediate medical help if your infant shows symptoms of neonatal sepsis.
PreventionPreventative antibiotics may be given to pregnant women who have a Group B Streptococcus infection or who have previously given birth to an infant with sepsis due to the bacteria.
Preventing and treating infections in mothers, providing a clean birth environment, and delivering the baby within 24 hours of rupture of membranes, where possible, can all help lower the chance of neonatal sepsis.
ReferencesMandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.
Schrag S, Gorwitz R, Fultz-Butts K, Schuchat A. Prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal disease. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 51(RR-11): 1-22, 2002.
Schrag S. Prevention of neonatal sepsis. Clin Perinatol. Sept 2005; 32(3): 601-15.
What else can I help you with?
What in vaginal strep?
One type of streptococcus, streptococcus agalactiae, can cause vaginal colonization. Which can lead to neonatal sepsis.
What are the complications of neonatal sepsis?
Pneumonia is more common in early-onset sepsis, whereas meningitis and bacteremia are more common in late-onset sepsis. Premature and ill infants are more susceptible to sepsis and subtle nonspecific initial presentations; considerable vigilance is therefore required in these patients so that sepsis can be effectively identified and treated.
10 Leading causes of Morbidity in india?
Ischemic heart disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Stroke Lower respiratory infections Tuberculosis Diabetes Diarrheal diseases Preterm birth complications Neonatal sepsis and other neonatal disorders Road injuries
How do you get sepsis in the lungs?
Sepsis in infection of your blood. You would have to have a lung infection that turned into sepsis that would be how.
When was Sepsis nigripes created?
Sepsis nigripes was created in 1826.
When was Sepsis violacea created?
Sepsis violacea was created in 1826.
When was Sepsis punctum created?
Sepsis punctum was created in 1794.
When was Sepsis biflexuosa created?
Sepsis biflexuosa was created in 1893.
When was Sepsis flavimana created?
Sepsis flavimana was created in 1826.
When was Sepsis fulgens created?
Sepsis fulgens was created in 1826.
When was Sepsis cynipsea created?
Sepsis cynipsea was created in 1758.
Will sepsis kill your organs?
Sepsis will not only kill organs, it will kill you.
