Predictors of Mortality in Neonatal Septicemia in an Underresourced Setting

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the predictors of mortality in neonatal septicemia. MethodThe records of babies with culture-proven septi-cemia managed in a Nigerian newborn unit between 2006 and 2008 were studied using bivariate and multivariate analysis. ResultsOut of 174 babies with septicemia, 56 (32.2%) died. Outborn babies, babies with estimated gestational age (EGA) less than 32 weeks, weight less than 1.5 kg, temperature less than 38°C, respiratory distress, abdominal distension, poor skin color, hypoglycemia, and infection with gram-negative pathogens were significantly associated with death by bivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis of these risk factors confirmed that EGA less than 32 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 5.5), respiratory distress (OR, 3.4), abdominal distension (OR, 2.7), poor skin color (OR, 3.3), and hypoglycemia (OR, 5.2) had significant independent contributions to the occurrence of death among babies with culture-proven septicemia. ConclusionMost of the identified predictors of mortality are modifiable and can be used to draw up a screening tool to determine the clinical severity among septic babies.