Blood Culture Positive Sepsis Research Articles

Identifying early surrogate markers for blood culture positive sepsis in an urban NICU-A retrospective observational study

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a major problem worldwide. Positive blood culture, the diagnostic gold standard is expensive, time consuming and yields result in limited cases. Hence reliable surrogate markers are needed. Aims and Objective: To ascertain haematological parameters which are reliable adjuvants to blood culture for diagnosing Neonatal Sepsis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried over two years in alevel3 NICU among neonates admitted with suspected sepsis. Data on demographics, clinical background, blood laboratory results were extracted from medical records and statistically analysed by multivariate regression analysis to identify surrogate markers for sepsis. Results: Over two years, 182 neonates admitted with Suspected Sepsis were enrolled in the study. In all clinical examination followed by laboratory investigations viz CBP (TLC, ANC, ITR, degenerative changes, platelet count), CRP and blood culture was carried out prior to treatment. A total of 64 (35.2%) were blood culture positive. On multivariable regression analysis, ITR >0.2 [OR 16.3; 95% CI (1.5-176.8), platelet count < 150> Conclusions: The study revealed that Immature to total neutrophil ratio >0.2, platelet count< 150> Key Messages: 1. Blood culture, the gold standard for diagnosing neonatal sepsis is expensive, time consuming and yields positive results in limited cases. 2. Effective surrogate markers are Immature to total neutrophil ratio (ITR), thrombocytopenia and cytotoxic degenerative changes in neutrophils. 3. These surrogate markers would identify the neonate at risk requiring early antibiotic therapy. Keywords: ANC, Blood Culture, ITR, Neonatal Sepsis, Surrogate Markers.

Effect of early kangaroo mother care on time to full feeds in preterm infants - A prospective cohort study

BackgroundKangaroo mother care (KMC) is known to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. In preterm neonates, KMC is usually initiated only after stabilization. AimsWe aimed to assess if early initiation of KMC starting within the first week of life is safe, and reduces the time to full feeds (TFF) in preterm neonates. Study designProspective cohort study. SubjectsPreterm neonates (Gestation ≤ 34 weeks, Birth weight ≤ 1250 g). This was studied in two epochs, (epoch 1) which was before early KMC vs. epoch 2 which was after implementation of early KMC even if they needed respiratory support, with umbilical/central lines in situ. OutcomeThe primary outcome of the study was time to establish full feeds (TFF) of 150 ml/kg/day. ResultsThe neonatal demographic characteristics were comparable between epoch 1 and epoch 2 except for lower gestational age, higher surfactant, and any respiratory support in epoch 2. On univariate analysis, early KMC significantly reduced TFF (12.5 vs. 9 days, P < 0.001). Feed intolerance, duration of parenteral nutrition were significantly reduced, and discharge weight Z score improved significantly in epoch 2. On multivariate regression analysis early KMC, exclusive mother's own milk feeding and blood culture-positive late-onset sepsis were important predictors of TFF. Early KMC was safe and well-tolerated. ConclusionEarly KMC was safe and associated with reduced TFF and other nutritional benefits in moderately ill preterm neonates.

Spectrum and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Micro-Organisms Associated With Neonatal Sepsis in a Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Its causative bacteria and their respective sensitivity patterns are different in each hospital and region. The objective of this study was to determine the causative bacteria and their antibiotics sensitivity patterns at the neonatal unit.MethodsThis prospective study was carried out at the Neonatology Unit of Kharadar General Hospital (KGH) from January 2017 to Jun 2019. A total of 162 neonates with suspected sepsis and positive blood cultures were included in the study. Blood culture was done by standard microbiological techniques (BACTEC Method). Continuous data were presented as mean and standard deviation, while categorical data were presented in frequency and percentages.ResultOut of a total of 162 neonates with blood culture positive neonatal sepsis, males were 106 (65.4%). Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found with a frequency of 83 (51.5%) and 79 (48.5%), respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas were the commonest isolates in 50.5% and 25.7% of cases, respectively. The Gram-positive organism was mostly sensitive to amikacin and vancomycin whereas the Gram-negative was mostly sensitive to amikacin, imipenem, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin.ConclusionStaphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated. For the sepsis, the causative bacteria and antibiotics sensitivity pattern changes over a period of time. Continued surveillance is required to help reduce morbidity and mortality through developing institution-based guidelines.

Transcriptomic profile of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes after neonatal encephalopathy

A rapid and early diagnostic test to identify the encephalopathic babies at risk of adverse outcome may accelerate the development of neuroprotectants. We examined if a whole blood transcriptomic signature measured soon after birth, predicts adverse neurodevelopmental outcome eighteen months after neonatal encephalopathy. We performed next generation sequencing on whole blood ribonucleic acid obtained within six hours of birth from the first 47 encephalopathic babies recruited to the Hypothermia for Encephalopathy in Low and middle-income countries (HELIX) trial. Two infants with blood culture positive sepsis were excluded, and the data from remaining 45 were analysed. A total of 855 genes were significantly differentially expressed between the good and adverse outcome groups, of which RGS1 and SMC4 were the most significant. Biological pathway analysis adjusted for gender, trial randomisation allocation (cooling therapy versus usual care) and estimated blood leukocyte proportions revealed over-representation of genes from pathways related to melatonin and polo-like kinase in babies with adverse outcome. These preliminary data suggest that transcriptomic profiling may be a promising tool for rapid risk stratification in neonatal encephalopathy. It may provide insights into biological mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets for neuroprotection.

Outcomes of endotracheal suctioning in non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveWe aimed to systematically review and analyse the outcomes of non-endotracheal suctioning (non-ETS) versus ETS in non-vigorous meconium-stained neonates.DesignWe conducted a systematic review of non-ETS and ETS in non-vigorous infants...

Clinical features and septic screen in neonatal sepsis in a teaching hospital in India

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, especially during the first five days of life and in low and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to note the clinical features and analyze the relationship between the septic screen and blood culture positive sepsis in the neonatal unit.Methods: A one-year descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the NICU of a teaching hospital in India.Results: The incidence of clinically suspected septicemia was 19.3 per 1000 live births and the incidence of blood culture positive septicemia was 2.9 per 1000 live births among the inborn of the hospital. The most common clinical features were poor suck and lethargy in culture positive sepsis. The most common organisms causing sepsis were Coagulase negative staphylococci and Klebsiella. In the septic screen CRP was found to have a statistically significant association with blood culture positive sepsis. CRP also had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value among the studied parameters.Conclusions: Incidence of blood culture positive sepsis was 2.9 per 1000 live births among the inborn of the hospital. The most common clinical features were poor suck and lethargy in culture positive sepsis. The most common organism isolated in neonatal sepsis in the NICU was Coagulase negative staphylococcus. In resource poor settings, CRP continues to be an important tool in diagnosis and treatment of neonatal sepsis.

Short-term outcomes of extremely preterm infants at discharge: a multicenter study from Guangdong province during 2008\u20132017

BackgroundAn increasing number of extremely preterm (EP) infants have survived worldwide. However, few data have been reported from China. This study was designed to investigate the short-term outcomes of EP infants at discharge in Guangdong province.MethodsA total of 2051 EP infants discharged from 26 neonatal intensive care units during 2008–2017 were enrolled. The data from 2008 to 2012 were collected retrospectively, and from 2013 to 2017 were collected prospectively. Their hospitalization records were reviewed.ResultsDuring 2008–2017, the mean gestational age (GA) was 26.68 ± 1.00 weeks and the mean birth weight (BW) was 935 ± 179 g. The overall survival rate at discharge was 52.5%. There were 321 infants (15.7%) died despite active treatment, and 654 infants (31.9%) died after medical care withdrawal. The survival rates increased with advancing GA and BW (p < 0.001). The annual survival rate improved from 36.2% in 2008 to 59.3% in 2017 (p < 0.001). EP infants discharged from hospitals in Guangzhou and Shenzhen cities had a higher survival rate than in others (p < 0.001). The survival rate of EP infants discharged from general hospitals was lower than in specialist hospitals (p < 0.001). The major complications were neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, 88.0% (1804 of 2051), bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 32.3% (374 of 1158), retinopathy of prematurity (any grade), 45.1% (504 of 1117), necrotizing enterocolitis (any stage), 10.1% (160 of 1588), intraventricular hemorrhages (any grade), 37.4% (535 of 1431), and blood culture-positive nosocomial sepsis, 15.7% (250 of 1588). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that improved survival of EP infants was associated with discharged from specialist hospitals, hospitals located in high-level economic development region, increasing gestational age, increasing birth weight, antenatal steroids use and a history of premature rupture of membranes. However, twins or multiple births, Apgar ≤7 at 5 min, cervical incompetence, and decision to withdraw care were associated with decreased survival.ConclusionsOur study revealed the short-term outcomes of EP infants at discharge in China. The overall survival rate was lower than the developed countries, and medical care withdrawal was a serious problem. Nonetheless, improvements in care and outcomes have been made annually.

A study of bacteriological profile and outcome of babies born to mother with Premature rupture of membrane and its correlation with blood and gastric culture

Background: PROM, a condition that occurs when fetal membranes are ruptured at least one hour before onset of labor. While PROM is observed in 10% of all pregnancies, 60-80% of PROM is observed in term and 20-40% in pregnancies less than 37th gestational week. PROM is the most significant reason for preterm labor. The three causes of neonatal death associated with PROM are prematurity, sepsis and pulmonary hypoplasia. Infants born with sepsis have a mortality rate four times higher than those without sepsis. Objective of the study was correlation of blood and gastric culture positive sepsis in PROM newborns. It helps to find out the incidence of PROM in our locality.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 90 neonates born to healthy mothers with history of PROM more than 18 hours duration, admitted in SNCU/ward at a tertiary care hospital for six months duration from 1st January 2017 to 30 June 2017. Clinical profile of these Newborn with history of PROM was noted such as birth weight, gender, gestation, duration of membrane rupture, history of maternal fever. For all newborns with PROM, sepsis screen had been sent. The neonatal outcome was also recorded, and the data was collected and analyzed by using frequency and percentages.Results: Gram negative bacilli were the commonest cause of neonatal sepsis and male neonates were more prone to infection. PROM and low birth weight especially, ELBW and VLBW are the common high-risk factors for early onset sepsis. Most common organisms isolated in blood and gastric culture were Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus respectively.Conclusions: PROM is a high-risk obstetric condition. Active management is needed to enable delivery within 24 hours of PROM as it offers better neonatal outcome. Morbidity and mortality increase as the duration of PROM increases. This can be reduced by early diagnosis, specific treatment and strict infection control practices in neonatal units.

133 THE ASSOCIATION OF POSTNATAL GROWTH VELOCITY WITH RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY AND BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA IN PERTERM INFANTS: A POPULATION BASED RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are associated with multiple risk factors, but the etiologies and pathophysiology of these conditions are not completely understood. Recent evidence suggests that poor postnatal weight gain may contribute to the development of both ROP and BPD. This study aimed to investigate if in preterm infants, poor growth velocity, defined as weight gain velocity (WGV) <15 g/kg/day, in the first 4 weeks of life is a risk factor for ROP and BPD. A total of 725 preterm infants with gestational age < 30 weeks born between 2003 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcomes assessed were development of ROP ≥ stage 3 and development of BPD, defined as need for supplemental oxygen for ≥28 days and a need for ≥30% oxygen/nasal CPAP/ mechanical ventilation at 36 weeks PMA/discharge. WGV was calculated using exponential model of estimating growth velocity as follows: WGV = (1000 x ln (Wn/W1))/(Dn − D1); wherein, W1 is birth weight (BW), Wn is weight at discharge/desired time point, D1 is 0 and Dn is day at discharge/desired time point. Of the 725 infants, 670 were categorized as having poor WGV. In the poor WGV cohort, the incidence of ROP was significantly higher than in the good WGV cohort (adjusted odds ratio, 3.257; 95% confidence interval, 1.999–10.638, P= 0.039). Similarly, in the poor WGV cohort, the incidence of BPD was significantly higher than in the good WGV cohort (adjusted odds ratio, 3.497; 95% confidence interval, 1.464–9.524; P= 0.003). After performing multivariable logistic regression controlling for maternal age, maternal diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, clinical chorioamnionitis, antenatal corticosteroid, cesarean section, sex, gestational age, BW, Apgar score (AS) (1 and 5 min), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requiring surfactant, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (grade III-IV), blood culture positive sepsis, WGV was found to be an independent risk factor for both ROP and BPD (P= 0.000 and P= 0.002 respectively). Similarly, after performing multivariable logistic regression using WGV as a continuous variable, WGV was found to be an independent risk factor for ROP and BPD (P= 0.002 and P= 0.015). Poor weight gain velocity in the first 4 weeks of life is an important and independent risk factor for ROP and BPD.

Role of Oropharyngeal Administration of Colostrum in Very Low Birth Weight Infants for Reducing Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to study the role of oropharyngeal administration of colostrum (OAC) in very-low-birth-weight infants for reducing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In this randomized controlled trial, 117 infants were enrolled, 59 were randomized to OAC group and 58 to routine care group. Infants with birth weight ≤ 1,250 g and/or gestational age ≤ 30 weeks were enrolled. Infants in OAC group received maternal colostrum (0.2 mL), 0.1 mL on either side, after 24 hours of postnatal life and were given every 2 hour for the next 72 hours irrespective of the enteral feeding status of the neonate. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of NEC (stage 2 or 3). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant reduction in the incidence of NEC in OAC group (0 [0%] vs. 3 [7.1%]; p = 0.11). There was significant reduction of 7 days of hospital stay in OAC group (34.2 ± 5.7 vs. 41.5 ± 6.7 days; p = 0.04).The incidence of early-onset sepsis, late-onset sepsis, blood culture positive sepsis, and ventilator-associated pneumonia were comparable between the two groups. OAC is safe and reduces the duration of hospital stay.

Blood culture positive sepsis and sensitivity pattern in a tertiary care neonatal centre in eastern India

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate sensitive pattern of causative organisms of neonatal sepsis with its clinical outcome in a tertiary neonatal care unit of eastern India.Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study was done in a tertiary care hospital of Odisha. All the blood culture positive neonatal sepsis cases, excluding neonates with multiple congenital malformations, diagnosed during January 2017 to December 2018 were analysed using descriptive summary statistics.Results: A total of 73 neonatal sepsis cases were diagnosed by BacT/Alert and VITEK-2 blood culture method. Among them, 50 (68%) babies had gram negative sepsis,14 (19%) cases of gram-positive sepsis and nine (13%) cases of fungal sepsis. In present study 38 (52%) cases were early onset sepsis, 38(52 %) babies were term, 55(75%) were male and 44 (60%) babies were out born. Klebsiella pneumonia and Acinetobacter were the most common organism in early onset and late onset sepsis respectively. Among gram negative organism (GNB), 66% were multi drug resistant. A fifty percent of gram-negative organism were sensitive to meropenem and 28% were sensitive to piperacillin/tazobactam. The sensitivity of GNB to colistin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin was 76%, 64% and 56% respectively. The sensitivity of gram-positive organisms to linezolid, vancomycin, teicoplanin and penicillin were 92%, 85%,85% and 20% respectively. Survival rate among culture positive sepsis was 83%.Conclusions: Multi drug organisms are emerging in modern neonatal care practice. Practice of antibiotic stewardship may save the babies from multidrug resistance organism in future.

Clinico-bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis is the commonest cause of neonatal mortality responsible for about 30-50% of total neonatal deaths in developing countries. Surveillance of causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern promotes rational use of antibiotics and antibiotic stewardship.Methods: A retrospective study, relevant data regarding the neonates diagnosed with culture positive sepsis was obtained from the case records during the period from July 2014 to June 2017. Culture positive sepsis was defined as isolation of bacterial pathogen from blood in neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis.Results: Of the 414 neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis, 110 neonates had blood culture positive sepsis. Sepsis was predominant in males (64.5%). Low birth weight (47.2%) and prematurity (40.9 %) were important neonatal risk factors for sepsis. Early onset sepsis occurred in 58.1% of the cases and late onset sepsis in 41.9% of the neonates. Gram-positive cocci constituted 67.52% of all isolates and gram negative 30.76%. The most frequently isolated organism in blood was methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus(MRCONS) (32.47%). Gram positive organisms included MRCONS, methicillin resistant Staphylococci aureus (MRSA), group B Streptococci (GBS), Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci. Among Gram-negative organisms, Acinetobacter was most frequently isolated followed by Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Citrobacter and Burkholderia species. The mortality in the study group was 13.5%. Gram negative organisms were most resistant to ampicillin and cephalosporins. Gram positive isolates were least resistant to vancomycin and linezolid.Conclusions: Gram positive sepsis was the most common type of sepsis among the neonates, although mortality was more in gram negative sepsis.

Profile of fungal blood stream infection (BSI) in neonate at tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Advancement in neonatal care has led to remarkable improvement in survival of new-born. Fungal infections in new born are an important health problem associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and epidemiology of neonatal fungal blood stream infection and to analyze risk factor associated with mortality due to fungal septicemia.Methods: This is a retrospective study of all neonatal fungal cases admitted from July 2016 to June 2017 to a tertiary care hospital in South India.Results: Isolation rate of fungal blood stream infection was 3.3%. Risk factors observed for candida blood stream infection were Broad spectrum antibiotic usage &gt;7 days (91.18%) followed by central line &gt;7 days (58.9%) and total parenteral nutrition (50.68%). Poor weight gain (71.23%), respiratory distress (68.4%) are common clinical presentation. Mortality among candida blood stream infection was 29 (39.72%). On step-wise logistic regression analysis, prolonged rupture of membrane and endotracheal tube placement for more than 7 days were significant independent predictors of mortality in neonatal candida blood stream infection.Conclusions: Candida blood stream infection is significant problem in our unit. It occurs in 3.3 %of neonates admitted in our unit and accounts for 34% of blood culture positive sepsis. Non-albican candidiasis is the predominant agent causing candida blood stream infection. Fungal prophylaxis may be recommended in neonates with risk factors like birth weight less than 1500 gms, those requiring ventilation for more than 7 days, those on total parenteral nutrition for more than 7 days and those on prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotics. It reemphasizes the need for aseptic insertion, maintenance, early identification of catheter related infection and early removal of central line.

Time-to-Positivity of Blood Cultures in Children With Sepsis.

Background: Blood cultures are essential for the diagnosis and further appropriate treatment in children with suspected sepsis. In most hospitals, children will be empirically treated or closely monitored for at least 48 h awaiting results of blood cultures. Several studies have challenged the optimal duration of empiric treatment in the era of continuously monitored blood culture systems. The aim of our study was to investigate time-to-positivity (TTP) of blood cultures in children with proven sepsis.Methods: The Swiss Pediatric Sepsis Study prospectively enrolled children 0–16 years of age with blood culture positive sepsis between September 2011 and October 2015. TTP was prospectively assessed in six participating academic pediatric hospitals by fully automated blood culture systems.Results: In 521 (93%) of 562 bacteremia episodes (493 children, median age 103 days, range 0 days−16.9 years) a valid TTP was available. Median TTP was 12 h (IQR 8–17 h, range 0–109 h). By 24, 36, and 48 h, 460 (88%), 498 (96%), and 510 (98%) blood cultures, respectively, were positive. TTP was independent of age, sex, presence of comorbidities, site of infection and severity of infection. Median TTP in all age groups combined was shortest for group B streptococcus (8.7 h) and longest for coagulase-negative staphylococci (16.2 h).Conclusion: Growth of bacteria in blood cultures is detectable within 24 h in 9 of 10 children with blood culture-proven sepsis. Therefore, a strict rule to observe or treat all children with suspected sepsis for at least 48 h is not justified.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility of neonatal sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Nepal

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis, one of the leading causes of mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of developing countries like Nepal, is often not extensively studied. In order to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal sepsis, neonatologists should have a keen knowledge of the existing bacteriological flora and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. In this study, we aim to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of culture positive neonatal sepsis in the NICU of a tertiary teaching hospital in Nepal.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all blood culture positive sepsis cases among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Patan Hospital, Nepal between April 15, 2014 and April 15, 2017. All neonates with a clinical suspicion of sepsis with a positive blood culture were identified. Patient demographics, clinical details, maternal risk factors, and laboratory data including bacteriological profiles and antimicrobial susceptibilities were recorded and analyzed.ResultsOf the 336 neonates admitted in the NICU, 69 (20.5%) had culture-positive sepsis. The majority were early-onset sepsis (n = 54, 78.3%) and were among the preterm babies (n = 47, 68.1%). Most bacterial isolates were gram-negative, predominantly the Klebsiella species (n = 23, 33.3%). Klebsiella showed high resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as; Cefotaxime (90.5%), Gentamicin (75%), Ciprofloxacin (76.2%), Ofloxacin (72.2%) and Chloramphenicol (65%). However, they showed good susceptibility to Carbapenems (100%), Colistin (88.8%) and Tigecycline (81.8%). Among cultures with gram-positive species, Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CONS) (n = 14, 20.3%) predominated. CONS showed high resistance to Oxacillin (80%), Cefotaxime (66.7%) and Meropenem (80%) but good susceptibility (100%) to Vancomycin and Linezolid. Prevalence of multidrug-resistant strain was 73.9%.ConclusionsKlebsiella species and CONS were the most common causes of neonatal sepsis in our study. A significant proportion of the isolates were multidrug resistant strains, which pose a great threat to neonatal survival, and thereby, warrant modification of existing empirical therapy. Implementation of effective preventive strategies to combat the emergence of antibiotic resistance is urgently needed. We recommend a combination of Piperacillin-Tazobactam and Ofloxacin as the first line therapy and combination of Vancomycin and Meropenem as the second line empirical therapy in our NICU.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis Admitted in NICU of Tertiary Hospital in Biratnagar

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. The clinical signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis are non specific and blood culture report is considered gold standard for confirmation of neonatal sepsis. Organisms and their sensitivity pattern vary from place to place. The confirmation of diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis is challenging and time consuming.Objective: The aim of this study was to find incidence of blood culture proven sepsis in suspected early onset neonatal sepsis, find out sensitivity pattern of isolated organism and to find association of risk factors and clinical signs and symptoms with blood culture proven sepsis.Methodology: Prospective study was conducted in Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar from November 2016 to November 2017. Sample size was calculated to be 300 and blood culture was sent of each neonates admitted with suspected early onset neonatal sepsis before giving neonates with first dose of antibiotics and report of 72 hours was taken into consideration.Results: Out of 300 cases of suspected early onset neonatal sepsis 70.3% presented with lethargy, followed by other symptoms like poor feeding, respiratory distress, fever, hypothermia, feeding intolerance, abnormal body movement and abdominal distension. Low birth weight neonates, preterm neonates, prolonged duration of per vaginal leaking and low platelets count were significantly associated with blood culture proven sepsis in this study. Incidence of blood culture positive sepsis in suspected early onset neonatal sepsis was 27%. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureus(21%) was predominant organism isolated followed by Klebsiella Pneumonia, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli. All of the isolated Klebsiella and Pseudomonas and 86% of Escherichia coli were found to be resistant to ampicillin. All isolated Coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to vancomycin.Conclusion: Coagulase negative Staphyloccus aureus was predominant organism detected but majority of organisms were gram negative organisms. High resistance to ampicillin was found and cefotaxime was also less sensitive to isolated organism. Vancomycin was found to be sensitive to all isolated Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureus. Amikacin was highly sensitive among causative organisms isolated. BJHS 2018;3(1)5 : 370-376

Use of procalcitonin as a biomarker for sepsis in moderate to major paediatric burns

IntroductionAccurate and early detection of sepsis poses a significant challenge in burn populations. Our objective was to assess whether procalcitonin is a marker of blood culture positive sepsis in moderate to severe paediatric burns.MethodsWe analysed procalcitonin levels in 27 children admitted with burns of 15–65% total body surface area. Procalcitonin was measured at admission (baseline), 24 and 48 h post-admission and during periods of suspected sepsis (diagnosed against pre-defined criteria). Patients were categorised into controls with no episodes of suspected sepsis (n = 10) and those with episodes of suspected sepsis (n = 17). The latter were split into two groups based on blood culture results: culture positive (bacteraemia) and culture negative patients.ResultsBaseline procalcitonin levels increased with burn size (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.15 (1.02–1.29)). Suspected sepsis patients had larger burns than controls (median 31 vs. 20%; p = 0.003). Only 5/23 suspected sepsis episode...

Predisposing factors and outcome of acute kidney injury in neonates

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) influences the risk of mortality in sick neonates. Predicting AKI on the basis of risk factors may help in early intervention and improved outcome. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the predisposing factors, clinical features, and outcome of AKI in neonates. Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out from September 2011 to August 2015. AKI was diagnosed if any one of the following is present: (1) Baby’s serum creatinine more than 1.5 mg/dl for at least 24–48 h with normal maternal renal function, (2) baby’s serum creatinine increases by more than 0.3 mg/dl over 48 h. All babies with AKI during the study were included in the study. Result: Twenty-five babies with AKI were studied. Male predominance was seen. Babies presented at a median age of 3 days interquartile range ([IQR] 2–5)with the median gestational age of 36 weeks (IQR 28–40) and median birth weight of 2490 g (IQR 1885–2875). Perinatal asphyxia (44%), blood culture positive sepsis (24%) and excess weight loss due to inadequate feeds (20%) were common causes for AKI. About half of the cases have received mechanical ventilation and/or inotropes. Nephrotoxic drug exposure was seen in 44% of cases. Only one-third of the babies had oliguria. Fluid boluses, diuretics, and sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis were commonly used for medical management. Only 12% of cases required peritoneal dialysis. One baby expired. Conclusion: Perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, excess weight loss, and cardiopulmonary compromise predisposes to AKI in neonates. Many babies improve with medical management.

Assessment of Predictors of Mortality in Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction

Background: Neonatal intestinal obstruction (NIO) continues to be a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates especially in developing countries. Highly skilled specialized care and facilities are required for survival. This study was conducted to assess various factors responsible for outcome in such neonates, so that extra attention is paid to the ones at high risk, with the idea to bring down the mortality rates in neonates admitted with intestinal obstruction.Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective observational study conducted on all neonates admitted with features of intestinal obstruction in our hospital from February 2014 to August 2016. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 month. Data was collected on prescribed proforma and analyzed for age, sex, prematurity, birth weight, clinical features, duration of symptoms, diagnosis, lab investigations, surgical procedure performed, complications etc. using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: There were 120 neonates with intestinal obstruction, of which 92 neonates survived and 28 died. The mortality rate was 23.33%. There were 74 males and 46 females. The mean gestational age was 38.2±1.77 wks with a range between 32 to 41 wks. The mean age at presentation was 5.58 days with a range between 5 hrs to 26 days. The mean weight at presentation was 2510g. Mean duration of symptoms was 3.40 days. Gross congenital anomaly was seen in 22 neonates. Sepsis on admission was noted in 51 patients out of whom 23 died. Twenty-two patients presented with perforation peritonitis, of which 14 expired. Fifty-four neonates experienced significant in-hospital delay in surgery. The mean duration of stay in the hospital was 8.40 days. Overall, 92 neonates were discharged from the hospital.Conclusion: Neonatal intestinal obstruction is still associated with high mortality. After analyzing various factors we conclude, that increased age at presentation, delay in seeking treatment after the onset of symptoms, CRP/ blood culture positive sepsis on arrival, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury (raised urea and creatinine), acidosis and coagulopathy on admission, bowel perforation with peritonitis and the need for continued mechanical ventilation after surgery were the statistically significant risk factors for mortality in neonates with NIO in our series. However, sex, mode of delivery, gestational age, weight at presentation, hypothermia on arrival, associated gross congenital anomalies, delay in surgery after admission (in-hospital delay) and duration of stay in hospital were found to be statistically insignificant risk factors for mortality in our series.

Biomarkers of hepatic injury and function in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and with therapeutic hypothermia.

We observed a significant association between the clinical grade of HIE and biomarkers of liver metabolism and function. Therapeutic hypothermia was associated with delayed CRP responses and with lower ALT concentrations and so may have the potential to modulate hepatic injury. What is Known: • Ischemic hepatic injury occurs frequently as a part of multiorgan dysfunction in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). • The neuroprotective role of therapeutic hypothermia in management of infants with HIE is well recognized, but the potential hepato-protective effects of hypothermia are unclear. What is New/What this study adds: • Therapeutic hypothermia was associated with lower alanine aminotransferase and albumin concentrations and a delayed C-reactive protein (CRP) response and so may have the potential to modulate hepatic injury. • An elevated CRP concentration during the first postnatal week may be regarded as an expected finding in moderate and severe HIE and, in the overwhelming majority of cases, occurs secondary to hepatic hypoxia-ischemia in the absence of blood culture-positive sepsis.