Is there any association between maternal risk factors and early neonatal sepsis

Abstract

This study was done to investigate the association between maternal factors and early neonatal sepsis. 250 babies with alleged risk factors for sepsis were followed up prospectively to determine the development of early neonatal sepsis. The factors analysed were prelabour rupture of membranes, intrapartum fever, foul smelling liquor, more than three vaginal examinations after rupture of membranes and untreated urinary tract infection. Neonatal sepsis was diagnosed if there was positive blood culture or if there were signs of sepsis along with positive laboratory parameters. Newborns who did not fulfill the criteria for culture proven or probable neonatal sepsis were considered negative for sepsis. Comparison of the different variables was done by Student's t-test, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. This study failed to show any statistically significant association between maternal factors conventionally associated with risk of sepsis and early neonatal sepsis. However three or more vaginal examinations after rupture of membranes come nearer to significance in its association with early neonatal sepsis.