Culture-positive Sepsis Research Articles

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.

Intensive care needs and long-term outcome of pediatric toxic epidermal necrolysis - A 10-year experience.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reaction. Data on pediatric TEN is limited. Case records of 44 children, 1month-12years with a diagnosis of TEN (>30% body surface area [%BSA] detachment) admitted to a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were organ dysfunction, length of stay (LOS), and long-term sequelae. Median (IQR) age was 6.5 (3.6, 8.0)years, and 25 (57%) were boys. Median (IQR) %BSA involved, SCORTEN score, and PRISM-III were 65% (45, 80); 2 (2, 3) and 13 (10, 16), respectively. Antiepileptics (n=24, 54.6%) and antimicrobials (n=8, 18.2%) were the most common offending agents. Twenty-four (54.5%) children had culture positive sepsis. Immunomodulatory therapy was provided in 35 (79.5%) and conservative management in nine (20.5%) children. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was given in 22 (50%), steroids in three (6.8%), and both IVIG and steroids in 10 (22.7%) children. Respiratory failure (n=14, 31.8%) was the commonest organ failure. Mortality was 15.9% (n=7), and median (IQR) PICU-LOS in survivors was 8 (4, 11.75)days. There was no association between IVIG, steroids, or conservative management with mortality or LOS. Ocular sequelae (n=20, 54.1%) were the most common long-term complication followed by skin (18, 40.1%). Immunomodulation with IVIG or steroids was not associated with any mortality benefit as compared to conservative management alone. Further research is required to determine the most effective treatment in pediatric TEN.

Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in neonatal sepsis

Background Efficient and accurate diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is challenging. The potential impact for a reduction in morbidity and mortality as well as antibiotic usage has stimulated the ongoing search for biomarkers of early sepsis. The objective of this pilot study was to quantify the levels of sTREM-1 and correlate with blood cultures and inflammatory markers in neonates evaluated for sepsis. Methods Neonates with suspected sepsis were enrolled (n = 83; Preterm n = 35; Term n = 48). Routine bloods for sepsis evaluation were included and plasma sTREM-1 levels were quantified by ELISA. Results Term and preterm neonates (n = 83; Preterm n = 35; Term n = 48) were enrolled and 16 neonates had positive blood cultures (preterm n = 15; term n = 1). sTREM-1 levels were not significantly different in infants with culture-positive or culture-negative sepsis (356 ± 218 pg/mL and 385 ± 254 pg/mL respectively). The immature-to-total granulocyte (I/T) ratio showed a significant positive correlation with sTREM-1 in the preterm group with positive blood cultures. Additionally, sTREM-1 showed a positive correlation with CRP in the preterm group with negative blood cultures. Conclusions sTREM-1 was associated with traditional markers of inflammation (I/T ratio and CRP). However, in this cohort sTREM-1 did not improve the early detection of neonatal culture-positive sepsis.

The prevalence of sepsis in neonates caused by multidrug resistant bacteria

The spectrum of organisms that cause neonatal sepsis changes over time and varies from region to region. It can even vary from hospital to hospital in the same city. This is due to the changing pattern of antibiotic use and changes in lifestyle. Gram negative organisms were the most common cause of neonatal sepsis in Europe and America in the 1960s. A prospective hospital based study over a period of one year was carried out at neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital, a tertiary care centre. At least 20% deliveries require nursery admission. All neonates born at the hospital and presenting with signs and symptoms of sepsis or born to mothers with potential risk factors for sepsis were investigated for sepsis. All the neonates diagnosed to have culture positive sepsis or clinical sepsis with multidrug resistant organisms were included as study cases. The most common organism was CONS accounting for 32.79% followed by Klebsiella species (16.39%) Staph aureus (14.75%). All the CONS positive cultures were non MDR (100%). Whereas 70% of the Klebsiella species and 100% of the Staph species were MDR.

Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes: evaluating latency and neonatal morbidity for pregnancies with expectant management ≥34 weeks

Objective To evaluate the association between latency and neonatal morbidity for pregnancies with expectant management of PPROM ≥34 w. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort of singletons with PPROM from 2011 to 2016. Exposure was defined as latency (period from diagnosis of PPROM to delivery) and was analyzed as a count variable (i.e. number of days) and binary variable (≥7 days and <7 days; ≥21 days and <21 days). Primary outcome was composite neonatal morbidity defined as need for respiratory support, culture positive neonatal sepsis, and/or neonatal antibiotics >72 h. Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U and binary logistic regression tests were performed with p<.05 considered significant. Results Of 813 pregnancies, 104 met inclusion criteria: 73 (70.2%) pregnancies with PPROM diagnosed at <34 weeks and 31 (29.8%) pregnancies with PPROM diagnosed ≥34 weeks. A total of 58 (55.8%) pregnancies had a latency of ≥7 days and 46 (44.2%) had a latency <7 days. There was no difference in composite neonatal morbidity for latency ≥7 d versus <7 d (aOR 0.92; 95% CI 0.30–2.82) or latency as a count variable (aOR 0.70; 95% CI 0.23–2.13). However, a latency ≥21 d was associated with increased composite neonatal morbidity (aOR 10.24, 95% CI 1.42–73.99). Conclusion In pregnancies with PPROM expectantly managed ≥34 w, a latency of ≥7 d is not associated with significant differences in neonatal morbidity. However, different latency thresholds may be more clinically relevant for late preterm pregnancies. The increase in composite neonatal morbidity associated with a latency >21 days should be an area of future investigation and may suggest there is a population of pregnancies with PPROM which may not benefit from expectant management past 34 weeks.

Quantitative and Qualitative Assessments of Cholesterol Association With Bacterial Infection Type in Sepsis and Septic Shock.

Reduced cholesterol levels are associated with increased organ failure and mortality in sepsis. Cholesterol levels may vary by infection type (gram negative vs positive), possibly reflecting differences in cholesterol-mediated bacterial clearance. This was a secondary analysis of a combined data set of 2 prospective cohort studies of adult patients meeting Sepsis-3 criteria. Infection types were classified as gram negative, gram positive, or culture negative. We investigated quantitative (levels) and qualitative (dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) cholesterol differences. We used multivariable logistic regression to control for disease severity. Among 171 patients with sepsis, infections were gram negative in 67, gram positive in 46, and culture negative in 47. Both gram-negative and gram-positive infections occurred in 11 patients. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower for culture-positive sepsis at enrollment (TC, P < .001; LDL-C, P < .001; HDL-C, P = .011) and persisted after controlling for disease severity. Similarly, cholesterol levels were lower among culture-positive patients at 48 hours (TC, P = .012; LDL-C, P = .029; HDL-C, P = .002). Triglyceride (TG) levels were lower at enrollment (P =.033) but not at 48 hours (P = .212). There were no differences in dysfunctional HDL. Among bacteremic patients, cholesterol levels were lower at enrollment (TC, P = .010; LDL-C, P = .010; HDL-C, P ≤ .001; TG, P = .005) and at 48 hours (LDL-C, P = .027; HDL-C, P < .001; TG, P = .020), except for 48 hour TC (P = .051). In the bacteremia subgroup, enrollment TC and LDL-C were lower for gram-negative versus gram-positive infections (TC, P = .039; LDL-C, P = .023). Cholesterol levels are significantly lower among patients with culture-positive sepsis and bacteremia.

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...

Mortality Caused by Late-onset Sepsis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Risk Analysis and the Performance of Diagnostic Tools.

To assess the risk on late-onset sepsis attributed mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Study Design: Observational study. Level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, İstinye University, Antalya Medical Park Hospital, Turkey, between January 2014 and December 2018. Perinatal characteristics and clinical features of 198 septic preterm neonates were evaluated to predict sepsis-attributed mortality. ROC analysis was employed to drive optimal-cutoffs for laboratory parameters and logistic regression to calculate mortality risk factors using SPSS version-22 and MedCalc software. Mean gestational age was 28.91 ±2.67 weeks. Umbilical catheterisation was the principal risk factor for culture-positive sepsis (OR 2.860, 95%CI: 1.232-6.639). Outborn infants were more likely to deliver surfactant and longer intubation (p=0.013, and p=0.005, respectively), manifested frequent BPD (p=0.014), and at greater risk of proven sepsis and mortality (OR: 1.796, 95%CI: 1.011-3.191; OR: 1.950, 95%CI: 1.002-3.794). Low Apgar scores necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and prolonged intubation were independent risk factors for mortality (OR: 13.840, 95%CI: 6.384-30.005; OR: 5.410, 95%CI: 2.113-13.849; OR: 10.037, 95%CI: 4.700-21.434). An increase in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)-ratio >6.08-fold afforded good sensitivity and specificity (AUC: 0.914; sensitivity: 89.36%, specificity: 86.09%). Logistic regression of various combinations has shown a >6.08-fold change in hsCRP-ratio over 24-hours and platelet counts <88x109/L optimally predicted mortality (OR: 27.983, 95%CI: 9.704-80.697). Low Apgar scores, NEC and prolonged intubation are independent risk factors for mortality of VLBW infants. Birth in level III-IV NICUs featuring special neonatal care, avoidance of prolonged intubation, and timely prediction of fatal sepsis using hsCRP ratio and platelets could prevent sepsis-related mortality. Key Words: Sepsis, Very low birth weight, Infant formality, Apgar score.

Clinical Value of Serum Amyloid-A Protein, High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein-A1 in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Neonatal Sepsis.

To evaluate the performance of serum amyloid-A (SAA), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) levels in the identification and monitoring of neonatal sepsis. This prospective study included 113 full-term septic neonates (postnatal age 4-28 days) admitted to the Special Care Neonatal Unit of a University Hospital from January 1, 2016, to April 30, 2019, and 68 healthy neonates (controls). Blood samples were drawn serially in septic neonates at enrollment and on days 1, 3 and 7, and once in controls, for SAA, HDL-C and Apo-A1 determination. At enrollment, SAA levels were significantly higher in septic neonates in comparison with controls (median 50.7 vs. 3.5 mg/L; P < 0.0001); HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.006, respectively). SAA levels were higher in culture-positive compared with culture-negative sepsis (median 202.0 vs. 14.2 mg/L; P < 0.0001). HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels did not differ significantly between culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of SAA levels at enrollment resulted in significant areas under the curve (AUC) for detecting sepsis {AUC = 0.929 [95% confidence interval: 0.885-0.973]; P < 0.0001} and also for discriminating between culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis [AUC = 0.933 (95% confidence interval: 0.882-0.984); P < 0.0001]. The combination of HDL-C and Apo-A1 with SAA increased its diagnostic performance. Furthermore, serial SAA levels following enrollment could indicate clinical response in septic neonates. SAA seems to be a useful biomarker for identification and monitoring of neonatal sepsis, and also for discriminating between culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis. HDL-C and Apo-A1 could be used as complementary markers.

Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in Culture-Proven Sepsis and Outcomes Associated With Inadequate and Broad-Spectrum Empiric Antibiotic Use

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended for all patients with suspected sepsis to minimize the risk of undertreatment. However, little is known regarding the net prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens across all patients with community-onset sepsis or the outcomes associated with unnecessarily broad empiric treatment. To elucidate the epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the outcomes associated with both undertreatment and overtreatment in patients with culture-positive community-onset sepsis. This cohort study included 17 430 adults admitted to 104 US hospitals between January 2009 and December 2015 with sepsis and positive clinical cultures within 2 days of admission. Data analysis took place from January 2018 to December 2019. Inadequate empiric antibiotic therapy (ie, ≥1 pathogen nonsusceptible to all antibiotics administered on the first or second day of treatment) and unnecessarily broad empiric therapy (ie, active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]; vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus [VRE]; ceftriaxone-resistant gram-negative [CTX-RO] organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa; or extended-spectrum β-lactamase [ESBL] gram-negative organisms when none of these were isolated). Prevalence and empiric treatment rates for antibiotic-resistant organisms and associations of inadequate and unnecessarily broad empiric therapy with in-hospital mortality were assessed, adjusting for baseline characteristics and severity of illness. Of 17 430 patients with culture-positive community-onset sepsis (median [interquartile range] age, 69 [57-81] years; 9737 [55.9%] women), 2865 (16.4%) died in the hospital. The most common culture-positive sites were urine (9077 [52.1%]), blood (6968 [40.0%]), and the respiratory tract (2912 [16.7%]). The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (5873 [33.7%]), S aureus (3706 [21.3%]), and Streptococcus species (2361 [13.5%]). Among 15 183 cases in which all antibiotic-pathogen susceptibility combinations could be calculated, most (12 398 [81.6%]) received adequate empiric antibiotics. Empiric therapy targeted resistant organisms in 11 683 of 17 430 cases (67.0%; primarily vancomycin and anti-Pseudomonal β-lactams), but resistant organisms were uncommon (MRSA, 2045 [11.7%]; CTX-RO, 2278 [13.1%]; VRE, 360 [2.1%]; ESBLs, 133 [0.8%]). The net prevalence for at least 1 resistant gram-positive organism (ie, MRSA or VRE) was 13.6% (2376 patients), and for at least 1 resistant gram-negative organism (ie, CTX-RO, ESBL, or CRE), it was 13.2% (2297 patients). Both inadequate and unnecessarily broad empiric antibiotics were associated with higher mortality after detailed risk adjustment (inadequate empiric antibiotics: odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03-1.37; P = .02; unnecessarily broad empiric antibiotics: odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06-1.40; P = .007). In this study, most patients with community-onset sepsis did not have resistant pathogens, yet broad-spectrum antibiotics were frequently administered. Both inadequate and unnecessarily broad empiric antibiotics were associated with higher mortality. These findings underscore the need for better tests to rapidly identify patients with resistant pathogens and for more judicious use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for empiric sepsis treatment.

Evaluation of compliance with the 2017 Canadian Paediatric Society Position Statement for the management of newborns at risk for early-onset sepsis: A retrospective cohort study.

Due to the nonspecific clinical presentation, clinicians often empirically treat newborns at risk of early-onset sepsis (EOS). Recently, the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) published updated recommendations that promote a more judicious approach to EOS management. To examine the compliance with the CPS statement at a tertiary perinatal site and characterize the types of deviations. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all term and late pre-term newborns at risk for sepsis, between January 1 and June 30, 2018. The prevalence of newborns with EOS risk factors was measured during the first month. Management strategies for eligible newborns during the 6-month period were compared to the CPS recommendations to establish the rate of noncompliance. The type of noncompliance, readmission rate, and rate of culture-positive EOS were examined. In the first month, 29% (66 of 228) of newborns had EOS risk factors. Among the 100 newborns born in the 6-month period for whom the CPS recommendations apply, 47 (47%) received noncompliant management. Of those, 51% (N=24) had inappropriately initiated investigations, 17% (N=8) had inappropriate antibiotics, and 32% (N=15) had both. The rate of readmission for a septic workup was 1.6% (N= 2). None had culture-positive sepsis while admitted. A large proportion of term and late preterm newborns (29%) had EOS risk factors, but none had culture-confirmed EOS. The rate of noncompliance with the CPS recommendations was high (47%), mainly due to overzealous management. Future initiatives should aim at increasing compliance, particularly in newborns at lower EOS risk.

Procalcitonin and Interleukin-6 for predicting culturenegative and culture positive bacterial sepsis in critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Introduction: Differentiation between culture-negative bacterial sepsis (BS), culturepositive BS and non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) among critically ill patients remains a diagnostic challenge to the intensive care unit (ICU) physicians. This study aimed to evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in predicting non-infectious SIRS, culture-negative BS and culture-positive BS in the ICU. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary ICU in Pahang. The patients were divided into sepsis and non-infectious SIRS based on clinical assessment with or without positive cultures. Patients with positive cultures were further divided into bacteraemia and positive other culture. The PCT and IL-6 were measured daily over the first 3 days. Results: Two hundred and thirty nine consecutive patients diagnosed with SIRS were recruited, of whom 164 (69%) had sepsis. Among sepsis patients, there were 62 (37.8%) culture positive and 102 (62.2%) culture negative. Of these, 27 (16.5%) develop bacteraemia. The most common site of infection was respiratory (34.4%). Post-LSD analyses showed significant difference in the PCT between culture negative sepsis and SIRS (p=0.01); and positive other culture and SIRS (p=0.04). On the other hand IL-6 cannot differentiate between SIRS and negative culture sepsis (p=0.06). Both PCT and IL-6 predicted bacteraemia with an AUC of 0.70 (0.57 to 0.82) and 0.68 (0.53 to 0.70). IL-6 is independently associated with bacteraemia and other culture after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, SAPS II score and day 1 PCT. Conclusions: Procalcitonin but not Interleukin-6 is able to differentiate SIRS from culture-negative BS. However, IL-6 is independently associated with bacteraemia and other culture.

Comparison of Neonatal Outcomes With the Use Cefotaxime Versus Ceftazidime in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

There is a national drug shortage of cefotaxime, and ceftazidime is recommended as an alternative to cefotaxime for neonates. This study evaluated culture-positive late-onset sepsis (LOS), multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs), and other neonatal outcomes with the use of ceftazidime compared with cefotaxime in neonates. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of neonatal subjects who received at least 24 hours of ceftazidime or cefotaxime between April 1, 2015, and August 1, 2017. Subjects were excluded if they received the alternate antibiotic for more than 24 hours. A total of 101 subjects were included (ceftazidime, n = 58; cefotaxime, n = 43). Median gestational ages were significantly different between groups (28.1 [IQR, 25.0-36.6] weeks versus 32.3 [IQR, 26.9-37.4] in the ceftazidime and cefotaxime groups, respectively, p < 0.05). Results showed a non-statistically significant increased incidence of culture-positive LOS (17.2% versus 2.3%, respectively, adjusted OR 6.51 [95% CI, 0.78-55.23], p = 0.09) and MDRO infections (5.2% versus 0%, respectively, p = 0.26) with the use of ceftazidime compared with cefotaxime. There was a statistically significant increased risk of stage II to III necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with the use of ceftazidime (22.4% versus 2.3%, respectively, adjusted OR 9.68 [95% CI, 1.18-79.45], p = 0.04). This study found a statistically significant increase in stage II to III NEC with the use of ceftazidime compared with cefotaxime. There was a higher rate of culture-positive LOS and MDRO infections with ceftazidime, but this was not significant. Further research is warranted to assess the implications ceftazidime use in neonates.

Outcome of extremely lowbirthweight (ELBW) infants from a birth cohort (2013-2018) in a tertiary care unit in North India.

To evaluate mortality and short-term morbidities in extremely lowbirthweight (ELBW) infants (<1000 g) in a birth cohort in North India. In-hospital data of 231 ELBW infants (Jan 2013 to Sept 2018) were collected from a prospectively maintained electronic database by using standard definitions. The mean (SD) gestation and birth weight were 27.9 (2.2) weeks and 783 (133) g, respectively. Major morbidities included respiratory distress syndrome (n = 132, 57%), moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n = 62, 26.8%), hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (n = 65, 28%), intracranial hemorrhage ≥ grade II (n = 38, 16%), and culture-positive sepsis (n = 44, 19%). Median (IQR) duration of hospital stay (survivors) was 50 (17-79) days. The overall survival was 62%. On logistic regression, severe birth asphyxia, gestation ≤26 weeks, and respiratory distress syndrome were major predictors of mortality. In the current ELBW cohort, nearly two-thirds survived until discharge, who had considerable morbidities needing prolonged hospital stay. This study can be utilized for counseling and planning of care of ELBW infants in similar settings.

Is Lower Vitamin D Level Associated with Increased Risk of Neonatal Sepsis? A Prospective Cohort Study.

To evaluate the effect of maternal/ neonatal vitamin D levels on culture positive neonatal sepsis. This prospective cohort study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Odisha, Eastern India from January 2015 through December 2016. Forty (40) neonates with culture positive sepsis were included in the study group. Forty (40) healthy neonates admitted for evaluation of neonatal jaundice who are similar in gender, gestational age, postnatal age and without any clinical signs of sepsis were recruited as control group after informed consent. Vitamin D level (25 OH D) was assessed in the neonates and their mothers in both the groups. Neonatal 25 OH vitamin D level in the study group (12.71 ± 2.82ng/ml) was significantly lower than in the control group (25.46 ± 7.02ng/ml). The Odds ratio was 273 (95% CI 30.39-2451.6) for culture positive sepsis in neonates with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Mothers of septic neonates had significantly lower 25 OH vitamin D level (20.92 ± 3.92ng/ml) than the mothers of healthy neonates in control group (27.31 ± 6.83ng/ml). The Odds ratio was 4.71 (95% CI 1.69-13.1) for culture positive sepsis in babies born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Neonates with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency are at higher risk for developing sepsis than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. Lower vitamin D levels in mothers is also associated with increased risk of sepsis in the neonates.

A Cross-sectional Study of Group B Streptococcus–Associated Sepsis, Coinfections, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile in Neonates in Pakistan

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and early-life mortality worldwide, and previous data have reported the highest neonatal mortality rate in Pakistan. The present study aimed to decipher the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS)-associated sepsis, coinfections, and antibiotic susceptibility of isolated microbes in neonates. Blood samples of 100 cases of neonatal sepsis were subcultured on blood agar, GBS agar, and MacConkey agar for isolation of GBS and suspected microbes. Of 100 neonatal blood samples, 85 blood samples were culture-positive, including mixed culture growth (n = 18), 25 samples as early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and 60 as late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). Staphylococcus aureus showed high percent positivity (31.4%), followed by Candida sp (16.5%), GBS (14.1%), Klebsiella (14.1%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (11.8%), Pseudomonas (9.4%), Acinetobacter (9.4%), Esherichia coli (8.2%), and Enterococcus (5.9%). GBS was isolated more frequently from EONS than from LONS with 50% coinfections. Mode of delivery, gender, and respiratory distress in neonates were significantly associated with culture-positive sepsis. GBS isolates were highly (91.7%) susceptible to vancomycin, cefotaxime, and chloramphenicol, followed by penicillin (83.3%), ampicillin, and tetracycline (75%). GBS isolates were resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, and linezolid. Our findings evidenced GBS-associated risk factors and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of neonatal sepsis, which will help clinicians in management, control, and treatment of neonatal sepsis. The epidemiological evidence of GBS-associated neonatal sepsis, demographic characteristics, risk factor data analysis, and drug resistance pattern has disease prevention implications in neonates in low-income countries including Pakistan.

Performance of SNAPPE-II score in neonatal sepsis: an experience from a tertiary care center.

The Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE-II) is a vital tool for prognostication in newborns. The study was conducted with the hypothesis that the performance of the SNAPPE-II score might be affected by the presence of sepsis in newborns admitted with possible early onset septicemia and whether score performance varies between culture positive and culture negative sepsis. The prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 1 year (January 2014 to January 2015) in neonates presenting with clinical suspicion of sepsis to the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. SNAPPE-II score cut-off of ≥20 offered the highest sensitivity of 74.5% with specificity 48.3%, PPV 27.6% and NPV 87.7%. Comparison of mortality proportions between the two subgroups defined by this cut-off returned p= 0.005 with OR 3.47 (95% 1.40 to 8.64). No significant association was found between SNAPPE-II score and blood culture results; mean scores for culture positive (25.16 ± 15.6) and negative groups (24.49 ± 15.6) were comparable (p= 0.920). At a cut-off value of ≥20 in presence of sepsis, SNAPPE-II score offers acceptable indices to predict mortality outcome. Prediction of outcome by SNAPPE-II score is not affected by positive or negative blood culture sepsis.

Colonization of the Preterm Neonatal Gut with Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Its Association with Neonatal Sepsis and Maternal Gut Flora.

Background:Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative neonatal sepsis is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Mucosal colonization with these organisms in hospitals may predispose neonates to septicemia.Aims:The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of colonization of neonatal preterm gut with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and identify risk factors associated with colonization.Settings and Design:The study was a prospective observational study done in a Level 3 neonatal unit of a tertiary care hospital.Methods:Stool samples from preterm babies were collected soon after birth and at 1 and 3 weeks of age after consent. Maternal stool sample was collected within 48 h after the delivery. Predetermined antenatal, neonatal, and environmental risk factors were recorded. Isolation and identification of organisms was done in a standardized manner; antibiotic susceptibility was done by the Kirby–Bauer method and results interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.Results:Seventy-one percent of the babies were colonized by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) at birth, and 100% were colonized by the end of the 1st week. The organisms commonly isolated were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, NFGNB (Nonfermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli), Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter. Sixty-eight percent of the babies were colonized with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms, and 5% of the babies were colonized with carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs). In the babies who developed culture-positive sepsis, 21% had concordance of strains in the gut and blood. There was no association between maternal and neonatal colonization.Conclusions:The results show that neonatal gut is colonized by GNB from birth onward. However, the rate of colonization with CRO is low. An association was also observed between colonization and late-onset sepsis.

SVT and Gram Negative Sepsis in Neonates

Supraventricular tachycardia is the most common tachyarrhythmia seen in fetuses, neonates and infants. Sustained SVT may lead to congestive cardiac failure. Neonatal supraventricular tachycardia is more commonly associated with other cardiorespiratory and congenital problems and is uncommon in an otherwise healthy infant. Supraventricular tachycardia is also caused by neonatal sepsis but has rarely been reported. Here, we report two cases of SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia) induced by neonatal sepsis. Two neonates, one male and another female, both born to Indian mother had tachycardia with heart rate &gt; 220 beats/minute along with poor perfusion, tachypnoea, fever and deranged coagulation profile. Both the babies had culture positive gram negative sepsis with normal echocardiography and supraventricular tachycardia on electrocardiograms which were treated with anti arrhythmic drugs and treatment of sepsis. This case report gives further insight into one more presentation and complication of neonatal sepsis.

Outcome of preterm neonates born to women of a developing country at risk of preterm birth exposed to varying doses of antenatal corticosteroid: A prospective observational study

BackgroundAntenatal corticosteroid (ACS) is used in women at risk of preterm births to reduce mortality and morbidity of the neonate born. However it's effect may not always be beneficial especially in the women with risk factors for sepsis which is quiet high in developing countries. MethodsNeonates (26–35 weeks gestational age) delivered to mothers who received 2–4 doses of ACS (group1) or 0–1 dose (group 2) were compared for incidence, severity of Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and death. Various morbidities of prematurity were also compared among the two groups. ResultsLess number of neonates developed RDS in group1 (28.1%) than group 2(37.8%) (p = 0.011). Few babies needed CPAP in group 1 (34.1% vs 53.9%; 0.006), however more babies needed mechanical ventilation (MV) (62.2% vs 41.7%; 0.005) in group 1. Mortality was similar (20.5% vs 20.1%; p = 0.71). Group 1 neonates with 2–4 doses of ACS had less Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (0.3% vs 2.6%; p = 0.04) but sepsis rates (12% vs 6.2%; 0.02) were increased. Other morbidities of prematurity were comparable. ConclusionSimilar to the previous literature, decrease in incidence of RDS and IVH was found in neonates with higher (2–4) doses of ACS. However more cases of culture positive sepsis and severe RDS occurred in these neonates.