Culture-proven Neonatal Sepsis Research Articles

Evaluation of platelet count, platelet indices and C-reactive protein in culture proven neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care centre

Evaluation of platelet count, platelet indices and C-reactive protein in culture proven neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care centre

Time to Positivity of Blood Culture as a Predictor of Causative Pathogens and Survival in Neonatal Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Indonesia.

In the blood culture procedure for neonatal sepsis, time to positivity (TTP) reflects the pathogenic bacterial load and the time required for empirical antibiotic regimen administration prior to definitive treatment. This study aims to identify the differences in TTP among causative pathogens and its predictive value for the overall survival of neonates with sepsis at a tertiary healthcare center in Indonesia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to August 2022 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Neonates with blood culture-proven neonatal sepsis were included in the analysis. TTP was defined as the time between the acceptance of a blood culture specimen from the neonatal intensive care unit and reports of positive culture growth by the laboratory. Across 125 cases, the median TTP was 58.1 hours (IQR = 24.48). Blood cultures were positive within 48 hours for 41.6% of cases, 72 hours for 86.4%, and 96 hours for 98.4%. A significantly shorter TTP was exhibited by the three major gram-negative organisms (Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Enterobacter cloacae) compared to coagulase-negative Staphylococci. The neonatal sepsis mortality rate was 49.6% during the study period. In the Cox multivariate regression model, a shorter TTP was an independently predicted mortality in the entire cohort (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.973-0.998) and the gram-negative sepsis cohort group (HR = 0.983, 95% CI: 0.968-0.999). TTP predicts different causative pathogens and the overall survival of neonatal sepsis cases at a tertiary healthcare facility in Indonesia.

Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter and Enterobacterales Causing Neonatal Sepsis at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Indonesia

Introduction: Increasing resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobials, leading to multidrug resistance (MDR), provides a major challenge for the management of bloodstream infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The dissemination of Acinetobacter and Enterobacterales species were of great importance owing to their high prevalence and resistance against a broad spectrum of available antimicrobials, thereby exacerbating the prognosis for afflicted patients. This study aimed to highlight neonatal sepsis cases caused by MDR Acinetobacter and Enterobacterales in the NICU of a tertiary healthcare center in Surabaya, Indonesia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, from January 2020 to August 2022. Documented cases of neonatal sepsis were identified from electronic medical records under the ICD-10 P36 code. Continuous monitoring of blood culture was performed following the initial suspicion of sepsis, complemented with semiautomated antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: A total of 75 out of 125 culture-proven neonatal sepsis cases were reported caused by Acinetobacter baumannii ( n = 19; 15.2%) and Enterobacterales ( n = 56; 44.8%) species. These organisms exhibited the MDR rates of 78.9% and 91.1%, respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K. pneumoniae) emerged as the predominant Enterobacterales, demonstrating an MDR rate of 92.1%. Possible extensively- and possible pan-drug-resistant organisms were also identified at a concerning rate in Acinetobacter (73.7% and 21.1%, respectively) and Enterobacterales (28.6% and 1.8%, respectively). The susceptibility of Acinetobacter to carbapenems was notably low (26.3%), whereas Enterobacterales exhibited a relatively higher susceptibility rate (75%). Notably, 9 and 37 documented deaths were associated with neonatal sepsis because of MDR Acinetobacter and Enterobacterales, respectively. Lower birth weight and shorter length of NICU stay were significantly related to mortality in neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: The alarming rate of MDR underscores further investigations on the extent of inappropriate antibiotic usage in the unit, particularly concerning neonates requiring invasive medical interventions and those with foundational clinical risk factors.

Factors Associated With Culture-proven Neonatal Sepsis and Resistance to First-line Antibiotics in Indonesia.

Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Blood culture positivity rates and antibiotic resistance pattern of neonatal sepsis differs across various regions. This study aims to identify clinical cofactors associated with blood culture-proven neonatal sepsis and in vitro resistance to first-line antibiotics (ampicillin and gentamicin) from cases originating in a tertiary healthcare center in Surabaya, Indonesia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to August 2022 by utilizing secondary data collected from standardized electronic medical records. Microbiological characteristics and associated factors were statistically analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Across 266 neonatal sepsis cases, 46.9% were culture-proven and 79.2% of confirmed sepsis were resistant to first-line antibiotics. The most common isolated pathogen is Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae. Extremely preterm delivery [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 5.813; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70-19.91] and late-onset sepsis (aOR: 9.165; 95% CI: 5.12-16.40) were associated with culture-proven neonatal sepsis. Increased odds of resistance to first-line antibiotics were identified in extremely preterm (<28 weeks) or very-preterm delivery (28 to <32 weeks) (aOR: 50.80; 95% CI: 1.66-1554.21 and aOR: 45.679; 95% CI: 3.22-647.46, respectively), cesarean section (aOR: 4.149; 95% CI: 1.04-16.53) and an absence of antenatal corticosteroid use (aOR: 0.233; 95% CI: 0.07-0.76). The association between clinical cofactors with culture-proven sepsis and antibiotic resistance emphasizes the importance for clinicians to adjust empirical antibiotic regimens based on the local antibiogram and resource availability.

Lumbar Puncture and Meningitis in Infants with Proven Early- or Late-Onset Sepsis: An Italian Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

Background: To evaluate the rates of lumbar puncture (LP) in infants with culture-proven sepsis. Study design: We prospectively enrolled 400 infants with early- or late-onset sepsis due to Group B streptococcus (GBS) or Eschericha coli, diagnosed within 90 days of life. Rates of LP and potential variables associated with LP performance were evaluated. Moreover, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics and results of the molecular analysis were investigated. Results: LP was performed in 228/400 (57.0%) infants; 123/228 LPs (53.9%) were performed after antibiotic initiation, hampering the ability to identify the pathogen in the CSF culture. However, polymerase chain reaction increased the probability of positive results of CSF analysis compared to microbiological culture (28/79, 35.4% vs. 14/79, 17.7%, p = 0.001). Severe clinical presentation and GBS infection were associated with higher LP rates. The rate of meningitis was 28.5% (65/228). Conclusions: Rates of LP are low in culture-proven neonatal sepsis and antibiotics are frequently given before LP is carried out. Thus meningitis may be underestimated, and the chances of giving an effective therapy to the newborn are reduced. LP should be performed before the start of antibiotics when there is a clinical suspicion of infection.

A study of bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity of culture proven neonatal sepsis

A study of bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity of culture proven neonatal sepsis

Neonatal infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional pilot study on bacterial pathogens and maternal risk factors.

Although child morbidity and mortality could be reduced in Sub-Saharan Africa during the last years both remain high. Since neonatal infections play a major role, we conducted a cross-sectional pilot study in the lake region of Western Tanzania in order to analyze not only the prevalence of neonatal infection with its bacterial etiology including antimicrobial resistance pattern but also to detect potential maternal risk factors. We screened 156 women for potential risk factors and examined their neonates for clinical signs of an infection including microbiological verification. All women were interviewed for medical history and their socio-economic background. High-vaginal swabs (HVS) of pregnant women and blood cultures of sick infants were investigated for bacterial pathogens using culture followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) or polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-based assays. Antimicrobial resistances were determined using a disk diffusion test and verified by VITEK 2. Maternal malaria, blood glucose, and hemoglobin levels were determined by rapid tests and helminth infections by stool microscopy. Our results showed a prevalence of 22% for neonatal infections. In total, 57% of them had culture-positive bloodstream infections with Gram-negative bacteria being the most prevalent. All these expressed resistance against ampicillin. The prevalence of maternal infection with helminths or Plasmodium was low, indicating that anti-worming strategies and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria for pregnant women (IPTp) are effective. The study identified maternal urinary tract infection (UTI) and an elevated blood glucose level as potential maternal risk factors for early neonatal infection, an elevated blood glucose level, and maternal anemia for a late-onset infection. Our study, therefore, indicates that monitoring maternal UTI in the last trimester as well as levels of maternal hemoglobin and blood glucose might be important to predict and eventually manage neonatal infections. As Gram-negative bacteria with resistance to ampicillin were most prevalent in culture-proven neonatal sepsis, WHO recommendations for calculated antibiosis in the sick young infant should be discussed.

Clinical and bacteriological profile of culture-negative and culture-proven neonatal sepsis in Palembang, Indonesia

Culture-negative and multidrug-resistant neonatal sepsis frequently occur in developing countries and complicate neonatal sepsis management. These conditions contribute to a high neonatal mortality rate and accelerate the misuse of antibiotics. However, the extent of culture-negative and multidrug-resistant neonatal sepsis in developing countries remains poorly characterized. This study aims to describe culture-negative and culture-proven neonatal sepsis epidemiology and the antimicrobial resistance patterns in Palembang, Indonesia. A retrospective review of the medical records of all neonatal admissions between January 2016 and December 2018 was conducted at a tertiary-level referral hospital in Indonesia. The maternal and neonatal characteristics and microbiological results of the identified sepsis cases were obtained and analyzed. Three hundred and fifty-six neonatal sepsis cases were admitted from 2016 to 2018, accounting for 14.1% of neonatal hospital admissions. The percentages of early-onset and late-onset sepsis were comparable (49.7% vs. 50.3%), with an 18.1% case fatality rate. The proportion of culture-negative sepsis was 44%. The mortality rates between culture-proven and culture-negative sepsis cases did not differ statistically (p = 0.11). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (30.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.1%), and Acinetobacter spp. (10.7%) were the most frequently isolated pathogens. Overall, 62.6% of all isolated organisms were multidrug-resistant bacteria, with a high prevalence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant and carbapenem-resistant strains. Culture-negative sepsis accounts for a significant proportion of neonatal sepsis cases. Early- and late-onset and culture-negative and culture-proven neonatal sepsis contribute to a comparable proportion of neonatal sepsis morbidity and mortality. There is an alarmingly high prevalence of resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporin and carbapenem in neonatal sepsis cases.

Neonatal sepsis is associated with behavioral abnormalities in very low birthweight infants at preschool age.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate neonatal sepsis as potential risk factor for adverse behavioral outcome in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) at preschool age. Regardless of improvements in the obstetric and neonatal intensive care, preterm infants are still at high risk for behavioral problems later in life. The spectrum, origin and potential risk factors of these behavioral problems have not been well-defined.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, the influence of culture-proven neonatal sepsis on the behavioral outcome of VLBWI born at a gestational age <32 weeks was analyzed at 5 years of age in a multivariable regression model. Behavior was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Neonatal morbidities, socioeconomic status and neurodevelopmental outcome served as covariates in the analysis.Results312 VLBWI entered the final analysis, of whom 11% had experienced neonatal sepsis. Neonatal sepsis appeared to be a relevant risk factor for both internalizing, i.e., emotional reactivity and anxiety/depression, as well as externalizing behavioral problems, i.e., oppositional and aggressive behavior in this cohort of VLBWI. Low socioeconomic status and male gender were additional statistically significant risk factors for both internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. No difference in neurocognitive development was observed between the groups.ConclusionThe study supports the fact that VLBWI are vulnerable to multiple behavioral disorders independent of their cognitive development. In contrast to former assumptions, the results of the study emphasize that not only post-natal environment but also neonatal morbidities, especially neonatal sepsis, have an impact on behavioral outcome of VLBWI at preschool age.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Blood Glucose Levels in Neonatal Sepsis and its Outcome in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Davangere

Sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates. Neonatal sepsis can alter the glucose level, and both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia may occur. Hence the present study aimed to study the clinical profile of patients with neonatal sepsis and to correlate the blood sugar levels with different outcomes in neonatal sepsis patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bapuji Child Health Institute and Research Institute attached to J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere. A total of 90 neonates under the age of 28 days old admitted to NICU with probable and culture-proven neonatal sepsis were included in the study. Glucose levels, complete blood count, CRP levels, septic screening, lumbar puncture, neurosonogram, urine culture, blood culture and sensitivity were analysed. Results revealed that GRBS scores were &lt; 40 for 24 subjects, 41 to 100 for 39 subjects, 101 to 200 for 22 subjects and &gt; 200 for 5 subjects. There were 57(63.3%) males and 33(36.7%) females in the clinically diagnosed cases of septicemia. Clinical presentation in sepsis showed that 82(91.1%) subjects were not feeding well, 19(21.1%) had convulsions, 51(56.7%) had fast breathing, 39(43.3%) had Severe chest indrawing, 25(27.8%) had a temperature, 43(47.8%) had a fever and 88(97.8%) had Decreased activity of admission. In Conclusion, alteration of glycaemic status occurred in septic newborns, and mortality was higher among septic newborns with altered glycaemic status. Keywords: Neonatal sepsis, GRBS, Hypoglycaemia, Hyperglycaemia, Mortality

EVALUATION OF IMMATURE GRANULOCYTES AS AN EARLY PREDICTOR OF NEONATAL SEPSIS AS COMPARED TO BLOOD CULTURE

Neonatal sepsis is the commonest and important cause for morbidity and mortality of neonates in developing countries.Various studies have documented high level of immature granulocytes count in early stages of sepsis. The aim of this study was to assess sensitivity &amp; specicity of immature granulocyte count % by automated hematology analyser (sysmex XN 550) in detecting culture proven neonatal sepsis at Assam Medical College Hospital.A total of 90 neonates were selected with clinical signs &amp; symptoms associated with neonatal sepsis &amp; with risk factors for sepsis.4 ml of peripheral venous blood was collected under aseptic conditions.1 ml blood was sent for estimation of serum CRP.2 ml blood was sent for estimation of TLC,ANC ,IG% by automated hematology analyser.1ml blood was sent for culture and sensitivity testing.Out of 90 cases studied,49 cases (54.44%) yielded positive blood culture &amp; 41 cases (45.56%) were culture negative. The sensitivity and specicity of serum CRP in detecting neonatal sepsis were 73.47% and 65.85% respectively.32 cases with culture positivity had IG count &gt;0.5% whereas 17 cases with culture positivity had IG count ≤ 0.5%.For an IG cut off 0.5% the sensitivity was 65.31% and specicity 75.61%. Immature granulocytes count % had signicant association (P value 0.00027) with onset of neonatal sepsis.It is a reliable indicator of culture proven neonatal sepsis &amp; consumes less reporting time

Neonatal sepsis – Microbiological spectrum, antimicrobial sensitivity, and risk factors for mortality in newborn unit of rural teaching hospital: A retrospective study

Background: Neonatal sepsis (NS) is one of the leading cause of neonatal mortality. In order to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal sepsis, treating pediatrician/neonatologist should have a keen knowledge of the existing microbiological flora and their drug-susceptibility pattern. Hence, the present study was conducted with the objective to investigate the etiological agents, pattern of antimicribial sensitivity, and risk factors for mortality in neonates with culture-proven neonatal sepsis. Methods: A retrospective/cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 24 months in teaching Rural Hospital, Maharashtra, India. Demographic data, type of isolates, and its sensitivity pattern were recorded. Results: Of the 343 blood samples sent during the study period from neonatal intensive care unit, 84 (24.5%) samples grew organisms. Early-onset sepsis (EOS) occurred in 58.1% of cases. Of the 74 bacterial isolates, 55.4% were Gram-positive organisms and 44.6% were Gram-negative pathogen. Candida species were identified in 11.9% neonates. Staphylococcus aureus (21.6%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (21.6%) were predominant Gram-positive pathogen. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the main Gram-negative pathogen (29.7%) followed by pseudomonas (6.76%). Gram-positive organisms (Staphylococcus and CONS) showed maximum sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid. Survival rate among neonates with culture-positive sepsis was 78.6%. Conclusions: This study highlights growing resistance to commonly used antibiotics/antifungal agents posing a great threat to neonatal survival and thereby warrants the modification of existing empirical therapy. Implementation of effective preventive strategies to combat the emergence of antibiotic resistance is urgently needed.

Umbilical Cord Procalcitonin to Detect Early-Onset Sepsis in Newborns: A Promising Biomarker.

Background: Up to 7% of neonates born in high-income countries receive antibiotics for suspected early-onset sepsis (EOS). Culture-proven neonatal sepsis has a prevalence of 0.2%, suggesting considerable overtreatment. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of umbilical cord blood and infant blood procalcitonin (PCT) in diagnosing EOS to improve antibiotic stewardship.Methods: Umbilical cord blood PCT was tested in newborns ≥ 32 weeks of gestation. Groups were defined as following: A) culture-proven or probable EOS (n = 25); B) Possible EOS, based on risk factors for which antibiotics were administered for <72 h (n = 49); C) Risk factor(s) for EOS without need for antibiotic treatment (n = 181); D) Healthy controls (n = 74). Additionally, venous or capillary blood PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) were tested if blood drawing was necessary for standard care.Results: Between June 2019 and March 2021, 329 newborns were included. Umbilical cord blood PCT was significantly higher in group A than in group C and D. No difference between venous or arterial samples was found. Sensitivity and specificity for cord blood procalcitonin were 83 and 62%, respectively (cut-off 0.1 ng/mL). Antepartum maternal antibiotic administration was associated with decreased PCT levels in both cord blood and infant blood directly postpartum in all groups combined.Conclusion: Umbilical cord blood PCT levels are increased in newborns ≥32 weeks with a proven or probable EOS and low in newborns with risk factors for infection, but PCT seems not a reliable marker after maternal antibiotic treatment. PCT could be useful to distinguish infected from healthy newborns with or without EOS risk factors.

Comparison of efficacy of a 7-day versus a 14-day course of intravenous antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated neonatal bacterial sepsis: study protocol of a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis is a global public health problem. There is no consensus regarding the optimum duration of antibiotics for culture-proven neonatal sepsis. Published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing shorter versus longer courses of antibiotics provide low-quality evidence with serious risk of bias. We hypothesized that among neonates with uncomplicated culture-proven sepsis, antibiotic duration of 7 days is not inferior to 14 days.MethodsThis is a multi-centric, parallel-group, stratified, block-randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority trial with outcome assessment blinded. Stratification is by center and birth weight. Neonates weighing ≥1000 g at birth, with blood-culture-proven sepsis (barring Staphylococcus aureus and fungi), without conditions warranting > 14 days antibiotics, and who clinically remit, are enrolled in the RCT on day 7 of administration of sensitive antibiotics. They are randomly allocated to no further antibiotics (intervention arm: total 7 days) or 7 more days of the same antibiotics (control arm: total 14 days). Allocation is concealed by opaque, sealed envelopes. The primary outcome is “definite or probable relapse” within 21 days after antibiotic completion. Secondary outcomes include definite and probable relapses at various timepoints until day 35 post-randomization, secondary infections, and adverse events. The neonatologist adjudicating probable relapses and lab personnel are blinded. Three hundred fifty subjects will be recruited in each arm, assuming a non-inferiority margin of 7%, one-sided alpha error 5%, and power of 90%. Analysis will be per protocol and by intention-to-treat. An independent Data Safety Monitoring Board monitors adverse events and will perform one interim analysis when 50% of expected primary outcomes have occurred or 50% of subjects have completed follow-up, whichever is earlier. O’Brien-Fleming criteria will be used to stop for mid-term benefit and Pocock’s to stop for mid-term harm. A priori subgroup analyses are planned by birth weight categories, gram-stain status of pathogens, and radiological pneumonia.DiscussionThis trial will provide evidence to guide practice regarding optimum duration of antibiotics for culture-proven neonatal bacterial sepsis. If a 7-day regime is proved to be non-inferior to a 14-day regime, it is likely to reduce hospital stay, costs, adverse effects of drugs, and nosocomial infections.Trial registrationClinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2017/09/009743. Registered on 13 September 2017.

Current-proven neonatal sepsis in Indonesian tertiary neonatal intensive care unit: a hematological and microbiological profile.

Background and Objectives:Neonatal sepsis is the third leading cause of neonatal death in the world. The patterns of pathogens causing neonatal sepsis varies in many countries. This study was aimed to identify hematological and microbiological profile of culture-proven neonatal sepsis in Indonesian tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Materials and Methods:Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in all inborn neonates that were suspected sepsis neonatal over a period of six months from April to September 2019. Complete blood count, c-reactive protein (CRP) and blood culture were examined before antibiotic administration. Statistical analysis were calculated based on Chi-Square’s Test and Mann-Whitney U test and p <0.05 considered significant.Results:One hundred four inborn neonates admitted to NICU and diagnosed with suspected neonatal sepsis were recruited. Culture-proven neonatal sepsis were confirmed in 52 (50%) neonates, 13 (25%) in early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and 39 (75%) in late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). The most common abnormal hematological profile were anemia and thrombocytopenia, with amount of 61.5% and 75%, respectively. High CRP only detected in 36.4% and only 18.5% experienced leukopenia. Gram negative bacteria responsible in 75% from total isolated pathogens. Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for 48.1% followed by coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) for 17.3% and Enterobacter cloacae for 11.5%.Conclusion:Anemia and thrombocytopenia were the top two hematological profile of culture-proven neonatal sepsis. Most causes of culture-proven neonatal sepsis were Gram negative bacteria and the dominant pathogen was K. pneumoniae.

Comparison of outcomes of thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic culture proven neonatal sepsis

Background: Due to high incidence of sepsis as a main cause of neonatal mortality, early detection and proper treatment are important in reducing neonatal mortality. Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological problem encountered during neonatal period, particularly in neonatal sepsis. This study was done to know the incidence of thrombocytopenia in neonatal sepsis and to compare clinical outcome in patients with thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic neonatal sepsis.Methods: This was a prospective study carried out at neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital of western Gujarat, India, from October 2018 to August 2020. 2739 neonates were admitted with probable sepsis during study period. 299 neonates with positive blood cultures were recruited for the study. They were divided into two groups; group-1 had patients with thrombocytopenia, while group-2 included patients without thrombocytopenia. Severity of thrombocytopenia was assessed in group-1. Micro-organisms isolated and outcome of sepsis were compared in both the groups. Results: There were 208 neonates in group-1 (thrombocytopenic) and 91 in group-2 (non-thrombocytopenic). There was no significant difference in demographic profiles of neonates in both groups. Klebsiella pneumonia was the most common organism isolated from 79 patients of group-1 and 19 patients of group-2 (p=0.033). Coagulase negative Staphylococci and Candida were the second and third most common micro-organisms isolated from 30.2% and 15.1% of blood cultures respectively. In group-1, 85 (40.8%), 72 (34.6%) and 51 (24.5%) neonates had severe, moderate and mild thrombocytopenia respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae (45.9%) was the commonest organism isolated in severe thrombocytopenic neonates, followed by Candia (22.4%) and Enterococcus (14.1%).Conclusions: Thrombocytopenia is a specific marker of neonatal sepsis. The platelet count is a simple test that facilitates diagnostic orientation and the establishment of an early empirical treatment. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the commonest organism isolated in severe thrombocytopenic neonates.

Neonatal outcome of maternal premature rupture of membranes more than 18 hours

Background: Premature Rupture of Membranes has been known to complicate pregnancy since ages. Several risk factors may be associated with occurrence of premature rupture of membranes. It is associated with varied neonatal complications, neonatal sepsis and prematurity being the most hazardous ones.&#x0D; Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of neonatal sepsis following premature rupture of membranes, risk factors and neonatal complications associated with premature rupture of membrane of more than 18 hours in the neonates admitted in a tertiary care center.&#x0D; Methodology: Descriptive observational study was undertaken for 18 months from August 2013 to January 2015 in the College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan, Nepal. This study included 82 neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with maternal history of premature rupture of membranes of more than 18 hours with medical conditions excluded. &#x0D; Results: The incidence of premature rupture of membranes in this hospital was 8.9%. Frequently associated maternal risk factors were history of prior abortion (16, 19.5%), urinary tract infection (7, 8.5%), and antecedent coitus (7, 8.5%). In the study population, 68 (83%) neonates had complications and 14 (17%) neonates had no complication. The incidence of neonatal sepsis following PROM in present study was 6.1%. Neonatal sepsis was significantly associated with chorioamnionitis (p&lt;0.001). The most frequently occurring complication was probable neonatal sepsis (53, 64.6%), followed by prematurity (31, 37.8%) and perinatal asphyxia (15, 18.3%). There was a directly proportional relation of neonatal sepsis, chorioamnionitis, respiratory distress syndrome and mortality with duration of premature rupture of membranes.&#x0D; Conclusion: Commonly occurring maternal risk factors with PROM were prior abortion, UTI and antecedent coitus. In the study population, infectious morbidity was highest. Chorioamnionitis was significantly associated with culture proven neonatal sepsis. Prolonged duration of premature rupture of membranes increased the risk of neonatal sepsis, meningitis, respiratory distress syndrome and perinatal death. Prevention of these risk factors, appropriate and timely management including improved obstetric and neonatal care can provide intact survival of the neonates.

Incidence, bacteriological profile and risk factor analysis of neonatal sepsis in a peri urban set up of North India

Background: The high incidence and antimicrobial resistance among the pathogens causing neonatal sepsis is alarming. In addition to substantial immediate mortality, survivors of infections in the neonatal period are at increased risk of long-term disability. The present study was conducted to know the bacteriological profile and risk factors associated with culture proven neonatal sepsis in a peri urban population.Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 4 year (2015-2019). On clinical suspicion, blood culture specimens were sent to microbiology laboratory. The organisms isolated from blood cultures were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. As part of infection control practices, environmental samples from the neonatal intensive care units were tested.Results: Of 907 blood cultures of neonates received in the microbiology laboratory, 20.7% were culture positive. Majority of the episodes occurred at or before 72 hours of life (81.4%). 54.3% were Gram positive cocci including Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. The common Gram-negative pathogens included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Common risk factors involved were preterm birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membrane, prolonged labour and iatrogenic causes.Conclusions: The early signs of sepsis are often subtle and nonspecific. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis. Rapid, reliable detection and appropriate case management can save lives of many new-borns.

A prospective study of inflammatory biomarkers in neonatal sepsis at a tertiary level hospital

Background: Sepsis in neonates is a syndrome which is characterized clinically by systemic symptoms or signs of infection and associated with bacteremia in the first 28 days of life. More than 40% of under-five deaths globally occur in the neonatal period, resulting in 3.1 million newborn deaths each year. Procalcitonin (PCT) is an early diagnostic tool for neonatal sepsis.Methods: Present prospective cross- sectional observational study was conducted at NICU of Base hospital, Delhi Cantonment from 1st Dec 2016 to Jan 31st, 2018. Universal sampling technique was followed. SPSS version 21 was used for statistical analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant.Results: Out of the total 440 cases, 63% were males while rest 37% were females. Mean gestation age and birth weight of the babies was 35.6 weeks and 2.13 Kg respectively. Raised/ decreased Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) and raised pro calcitonin levels were seen in 23% and 19.8% cases respectively.Conclusions: These results indicated that the sensitivity of procalcitonin was higher than TLC for the diagnosis of culture proven neonatal sepsis. Hence, PCT is a more sensitive and useful biomarker for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Factors associated with culture proven neonatal sepsis in the Ho municipality 2016.

IntroductionNeonatal Sepsis (NNS) is a public health problem which causes death or disability unless appropriate antibiotic treatment is given promptly. Globally, sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates despite recent progress in health care delivery. We assessed the factors associated with culture proven sepsis among neonates in the Ho Municipality, Ghana.Methodsa cross-sectional study was conducted in two public hospitals in the Ho Municipality between January and May, 2016. All neonates who were clinically suspected with sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their mothers were recruited. A 2ml blood sample was taken aseptically and dispensed into a mixture of thioglycollate and tryptone soy broth in a 1: 10 dilution and microbiological procedures performed. Case notes of both neonates and their mothers were reviewed and interviews conducted to collect both clinical and socio-demographic data. We determined the factors associated with culture proven neonatal sepsis using logistic regression model and statistical significance was determined at 95% confidence intervals.Resultsout of 150 neonates, 26 (17%) had laboratory confirmed sepsis. The most common pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus epidermidis 14, (54%). Neonates whose mothers were primigravida (OR=2.74; 95% CI: 1.12-6.68), and those who attended antenatal clinics (ANC) fewer than three schedules (OR=2.90; 95% CI: 1.06-7.96) had higher odds of developing culture proven sepsis.Conclusionneonates who were the first babies of their mothers were more likely to develop laboratory confirmed sepsis. Also, neonates of mothers who attended ANC less than 3 times were more likely to develop laboratory confirmed sepsis. High index of suspicion is required to diagnose neonatal sepsis among neonates of primigravida mothers and mothers who attend fewer than three ANC schedules.