Abstract
BackgroundThe incidence of neonatal sepsis in India is the highest in the world. Evidence regarding its risk factors can guide clinical practice and prevention strategies.ObjectiveTo review, assess and synthesize the available literature from India on the risk factors of sepsis among neonates.MethodologyA systematic review was conducted. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Popline, IndMed, Indian Science s and Google Scholar from inception up to March 23, 2018 to identify observational analytical studies reporting on risk factors of laboratory-confirmed neonatal sepsis in India. Two authors independently screened studies (title, abstract and full-text stages), extracted data, and assessed quality. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed as substantial heterogeneity was anticipated. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were additionally performed. Effect size in our review included odds ratio and standardized mean difference.ResultsFifteen studies were included from 11,009 records, of which nine were prospective in design. Birthweight and gestational age at delivery were the most frequently reported factors. On meta-analyses, it was found that male sex (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.68), out born neonates (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 2.39, 12.49), need for artificial ventilation (OR: 5.61; 95% CI: 8.21, 41.18), gestational age <37 weeks (OR: 2.05; 95% CI:1.40, 2.99) and premature rupture of membranes (OR:11.14, 95% CI: 5.54, 22.38) emerged as risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Included studies scored lowest on exposure assessment and confounding adjustment, which limited comparability. Inadequacy and variation in definitions and methodology affected the quality of included studies and increased heterogeneity.ConclusionsMale neonates, outborn admissions, need for artificial ventilation, gestational age <37 weeks and premature rupture of membranes are risk factors for sepsis among neonates in India. Robustly designed and reported research is urgently needed to confirm the role of other risk factors of neonatal sepsis in India.
Highlights
Sepsis is the second major cause of mortality among neonates, killing more than one million neonates annually.[1]
On meta-analyses, it was found that male sex (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.68), out born neonates (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 2.39, 12.49), need for artificial ventilation (OR: 5.61; 95% CI: 8.21, 41.18), gestational age
Designed and reported research is urgently needed to confirm the role of other risk factors of neonatal sepsis in India
Summary
Sepsis is the second major cause of mortality among neonates, killing more than one million neonates annually.[1] Neonatal sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis together result in up to a quarter of all newborn deaths.[2] Globally, of the three million annual neonatal sepsis cases (2202/ 1,00,000 live births), India has the highest incidence of clinical sepsis (17,000/ 1,00,000 live births).[3] The case fatality rate of sepsis among neonates ranges between 25% to 65% in India.[4, 5] These rates are likely to be underestimated, and more accurate data is expected from the ‘Global Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis Initiative’.[6,7,8]. Evidence regarding its risk factors can guide clinical practice and prevention strategies
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