Incidence Of Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR THE INCIDENT OF EARLY ONWARD NEONATAL SEPSIS REVIEWED FROM THE APGAR SCORES AND WEIGHT AT BIRTH AT KUDUNGGA HOSPITAL

Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of death in neonates.. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between early onset neonatal sepsis in terms of the score. APGAR and birth weight infants. The research design used was correlational analytic with a cross sectional time approach with a total sample of 52 respondents. The sampling method in this study used the Accidental Sampling technique. Data were collected using medical record data .Test the analysis using the Chi Square Test. The APGAR score in newborns is known to be mostly in the APGAR score category 7-10 (no asphyxia) (73.1%). Almost all of the birth weights of newborns were found to be in the birth weight category ≥2500 grams (77%). The incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis in newborns is known to be mostly in the category of no early-onset neonatal sepsis (69.2%).

Empiric Antibiotic Use and the Outcome in Infants at Risk of Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis in a Teaching Hospital in South India: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Neonatal sepsis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. The identification and early treatment of infants at risk of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) with empiric antibiotics is a preventive strategy. Objectives To study the use of empiric antibiotics in infants at risk for EONS and assess their outcome in terms of the development of sepsis, mortality, and duration of hospital stay. Materials and Methods This retrospective cohort study was done at the Special Newborn Care Unit, GMC Thrissur. The data of babies at risk of EONS over a period of 3 years (2020–2022) was collected. One thousand two hundred and thirty-two babies with at least one risk factor for sepsis, as defined by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) 2021 guidelines, were enrolled in the study. The antibiotic prescription pattern and the outcomes were measured. Results Empirical antibiotic treatment was received by 61.2% (754/1232) of infants, and of those, 39.5% (298/754) developed EONS. Infants treated with Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Amikacin had a higher incidence of sepsis and mortality than those started on Ampicillin and Gentamicin ( p < .001). In infants less than 32 weeks, the incidence of sepsis increased significantly with increase in number of risk factors ( p < .001). Infants with lower birth weight and gestational age were more susceptible to developing sepsis ( p < .001). EONS was significantly associated with neonatal resuscitation, umbilical vein catheterization, and invasive ventilation ( p < .001). Infants who received empirical antibiotics had a longer hospital stay, with a mean duration of 4.38 days more compared to the no antibiotics group. Conclusion In infants at risk of EONS, the empirical use of antibiotics alone did not show a favorable effect on the incidence of EONS or sepsis-related mortality.

Early neonatal sepsis in COVID-19 era

Introduction. Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) remains the leading cause of serious mobility and mortality worldwide. At the present time, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of other infections is of particular interest. Aim: to conduct a comparative analysis of the features of the course of EONS in newborns before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021). Materials and Мethods. A retrospective cohort single-center continuous study included 73 newborns born and hospitalized in the Regional Kaluga Perinatal Center (PC) based on Kaluga Regional Clinical Hospital. The data for the period of stay in the PC from January to October 2018 and the same period in 2021 were analyzed and compared. Newborns were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 26) – in 2018, and group 2 (n = 47) – in 2021. The following parameters of EONS severity were selected: the need for the use of norepinephrine, surfactant and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP). Results. The incidence of EONS in 2021 (n = 47) was significantly higher than in 2018 (n = 26): odds ratio (OR) = 3.27; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.57–6.40; p = 0,001. Gestational age and Apgar score at the 1st and 5th minutes were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2: 36.2 [33.3; 38.0] weeks vs. 33.3 [28.5; 36.1] weeks (p = 0.016); 7.0 [5.0; 7.0] vs. 5.0 [3.0; 7.0] (p = 0.019) and 9.0 [6.8; 8.0] vs. 6.0 [5.0; 8.0] (p = 0.012), respectively. Newborns with EONS in 2021 compared with 2018 showed a significant increase in norepinephrine administration of (42/47 vs. 16/26 newborns, respectively; OR = 5.25; 95 % CI = 1.58–17.44; p = 0.007), FFP transfusions (47/47 vs. 19/26 newborns, respectively; OR = 36.54; 95 % CI = 2.05–649.84; p < 0.001) and surfactant therapy (32/47 vs. 7/26 newborns, respectively; OR = 5.79; 95 % CI = 2.04–16.45; p = 0.001). Mortality among patients with EONS in 2021 compared to 2018 was significantly higher: 13/47 (21.3 %) vs. 2/26 (7.7 %) newborns, respectively (OR = 9.56; 95 % CI = 1.22–74.96; p = 0.014). Conclusion. Among the newborns of the Kaluga region there is a significant rise in the incidence and mortality of EONS on the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 there is a significant increase in the need for surfactant administration, use of vasopressors, and transfusion of FFP in infants with EONS.

Agreement between an Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis Risk Calculator and the Colombian Clinical Practice Guideline in Three Tertiary-Care Centers in Bogotá, Colombia.

Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) worldwide help steer the management of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). These documents typically discourage the use of risk assessment tools. However, prior work has shown that the Kaiser Permanente calculator (Early-Onset Sepsis Calculator [EOScalc]) could be a useful tool in EONS risk assessment. This study aimed to determine the agreement between the recommendations of the Colombian EONS CPG and those of the EOSCalc tool in a cohort of newborns in Bogotá, Colombia. Multicenter retrospective observational cohort study. We included newborns with a gestational age ≥ 34 weeks who were admitted to the neonatal care unit with a suspected diagnosis of EONS between 2017 and 2019. Agreement between the two tools was examined using Cohen's kappa under two scenarios (unequivocal and cautious). Of the 23.490 live births, 470 (1.71%) were admitted to the neonatal care unit with a presumptive diagnosis of EONS. This diagnosis was confirmed in seven patients by means of blood cultures, with group B streptococcus the most common organism (57%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.4-90.1). A single death occurred among the patients with confirmed EONS (lethality: 14.3%). The overall incidence of EONS was 0.298 per 1,000 live births. After splitting the recommendations into two scenarios regarding antibiotic use, unequivocal and cautious, the agreement between EOSCalc and the CPG was below 15% (6 and 14%, respectively). Recommendations from the Colombian EONS CPG show poor agreement with the EOSCalc, with the latter detecting all newborns with EONS. Although the use of EOSCalc is clinically and administratively advantageous, further prospective studies are warranted to determine the safety of its implementation. · Colombian EONS CPGs recommend that an outsized number of newborns be given antibiotics.. · The KP EOSCalc risk assessment calculator shows poor agreement with CPG recommendations.. · The Colombian CPGs should be updated to include the use of risk assessment calculators..

Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of early-onset neonatal sepsis in a public hospital, Lima, Peru

Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of newborns with early-onset neonatal sepsis in a public hospital in Lima, Peru, 2016-2017. Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective study of 303 newborns born in Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, diagnosed with early-onset neonatal sepsis (2016-2017) and with complete medical records. Maternal variables: age, education, marital status, prenatal care, PROM, type of delivery, UTI, chorioamnionitis, anemia; neonatal variables: sex, gestational age, weight, Apgar, clinical signs, hemoculture, isolated organism, treatment, antibiotic sensitivity. Data processed in Excel and analyzed in SPSS Statistics V25. The incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis was determined. Results: Incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis: 67.08/1,000 (2016) and 127.85/1,000 (2017) live births. Incidence of confirmed early-onset neonatal sepsis: 2.98 (2016) and 4.7 (2017). Out of all mothers, 45 % received no adequate prenatal checkup or no checkups; 25 % presented anemia, UTI, history of abortion. Newborns had tachypnea (52.80 %), tachycardia (17.50 %), hypotonia (18.20 %), fever (9.20 %). The therapy included ampicillin-amikacin for probable (86.54 %) and confirmed (85 %) sepsis. Germs, mostly gram positive, were isolated from 8.4 % of the newborns. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common bacteria, resistant to clindamycin, oxacillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, gentamicin, and sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin. Burkholderia gladioli was the only identified gramnegative organism, sensitive to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone but resistant to gentamicin, amikacin. Conclusions: The clinical presentation of neonatal sepsis included tachypnea, tachycardia, hypotonia and fever. Grampositive bacteria were the most commonly isolated species, prevailing coagulase-negative Staphylococci.

Incidence of Early and Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis in Suriname: A National Tertiary Hospital Birth-cohort Study.

Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and late onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) are important causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. A pressing need for reliable and detailed data of low- and middle-income countries exists. This study aimed to describe the incidence and outcome of neonatal sepsis in the only tertiary hospital of Suriname, a middle-income country in South America. Infants born at the Academic Hospital of Paramaribo from May 2017 through December 2018 were prospectively included at birth. Perinatal data, duration of antibiotic treatment, blood culture results and mortality data were gathered. Neonatal sepsis was defined as positive blood culture with a pathogenic microorganism within the first 28 days of life. Of the 2190 infants included, 483 (22%) were admitted to neonatal (intensive) care. The incidence of EONS was 2.1 (95% CI: 0.9-5) per 1000 live births, with no deaths. Antibiotics for suspected EONS were administrated to 189 (8.6%) infants, of whom 155 (82%) were born prematurely. The incidence of LONS cases was 145 (95% CI: 114-176) per 1000 admissions. Gramnegative bacteria accounted for 70% (48 out of 70) of causative organisms. Seventeen deaths were directly caused by sepsis (35 per 1000 admissions). Findings from this tertiary center birth cohort study in a middle-income setting indicate EONS incidence and outcomes comparable to high-income settings, whereas LONS is a more prevalent and significant challenge with a predominance of gram-negative bacteria, and high mortality.

Antibiotikumhasználat korai szepszis gyanúja esetén újszülöttkorban

Early-onset neonatal sepsis is a rare, but life-threatening condition. In 2017, the Hungarian Neonatal Society issued a national guideline to rationalize the use of antibiotic use in neonatal sepsis. To retrospectively determine the frequency of prescribed antibiotics before and after the introduction of national guidance. Data of neonates (>34. gestational weeks) delivered in our hospital between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2018 were analysed with focusing on signs of sepsis, number of neonates treated with antibiotics, incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis, sepsis-related mortality. Statistical analysis was performed with RStudio software (significance: p<0.05). During the analysed time period, 12 347 neonates were born, 1502 (12.16%) neonates were given antibiotics, showing a significant decrease after 2017: 517 (21.10%) in 2014, 401 (16.63%) in 2015, 459 (17.96%) in 2016, 61 (2.39%) in 2017, 64 (2.69%) in 2018, respectively. Out of the group of neonates treated with antibiotics (n = 1502), only 239 (15.91%) neonates showed the clinical signs of sepsis. No significant change was observed in the number of symptomatic newborns during the study period: 52 (2.12%) in 2014, 42 (1.74%) in 2015, 42 (1.64%) in 2016, 46 (1.80%) in 2017, 57 (2.40%) in 2018, p = 0.285. Blood culture confirmed neonatal sepsis was observed in 4 babies, incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis was 0.324/1000, sepsis-related mortality was zero. Before the introduction of the national guideline, most of the neonates were prescribed antibiotics based on risk factors. Since 2017, antibiotics have been mainly preserved for newborns with clinical signs of sepsis. Despite cessation of antiobiotic treatment indicated by risk factors, the number of symptomatic babies and sepsis-related mortality have not increased. The use of antibiotics for neonates >34th gestational week can be safely reduced, entailing a decrease in short- and long-term complications of early antibiotic use. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(11): 431-437.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Neonatal Sepsis in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes before 34 Weeks of Gestation

Objective: Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) is a leading cause of newborn morbidity and mortality, particularly in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 34 weeks of gestation, in which expectant management was performed until reaching 34 weeks of gestation, evidence of maternal chorioamnionitis, or unfavorable fetal conditions. The interval between membrane rupture and delivery has a positive correlation with neonatal sepsis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of EONS in PPROM.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The medical records of pregnant women who gave birth between 2005 and 2018 and their newborns were reviewed. The inclusion criterion was singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM between 24 and 33+6 weeks of gestation. Multifetal pregnancies, fetal malformation, stillbirths, and records with incomplete data were excluded. PPROM was diagnosed by obstetricians while EONS was diagnosed by neonatologist.Results: The incidence of EONS in with PPROM was 24%. Risk factors included excessive maternal weight gain based on IOM (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.16-4.94), extremely preterm at admission (before 28 weeks of gestation) (OR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.12-10.21) and very low birth weight (≤ 1,500 g) (OR 3.68, 95% CI = 1.86-7.30). Maternal hematologic laboratory results were not associated with neonatal sepsis.Conclusion: The incidence of EONS in PPROM was similar to data provided by other studies. Obstetricians and pediatricians should be cautious about neonatal sepsis, especially in cases of excessive maternal weight gain, extremely preterm admissions, and very low birth weight.

The characteristics of neonatal sepsis in Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants at Sanglah General Hospital, Bali, Indonesia

Backgrounds: Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of mortality and long-term morbidity. The preterm infant has high-risk sepsis and its sequelae. Low birth weight infants were more susceptible to sepsis. Initial infections in neonates may not be identified due to non-specific symptoms and sign with the limited laboratory criteria. This study aims to describe the characteristics of neonatal sepsis in low birth weight infants in the neonatology intensive care unit of Sanglah Hospital.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 168 infants aged zero to 28 days with birth weights &lt;2,500 grams from May 2017 – April 2018 at Sanglah General Hospital, Bali, Indonesia using a purposive sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were sepsis infants who were hospitalized in neonatology care rooms during the study period at Sanglah General Hospital. Variables assessed in this study were sex, location and mode of delivery, birth weight, gestational age, number of parity, length of stay, the onset of sepsis, as well as the outcome. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17 for Windows.Results: The mortality rate of sepsis in low birth weight infants was 29.8%. Most of the subjects were male (53%), location of delivery at Sanglah Hospital (60.7%), born spontaneously (51.2%), birth weight were 1500-2499 grams (58,3%) and the most gestational ages were 32-36 weeks (44,6%). Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) dominates patients with neonatal sepsis, with a mean length of stay was 23.27±20.32 days. The major infection risk factor was premature rupture membrane (PRM) &gt;24 hours (14.9%), and minor infection risk factor was gestational age &lt;37 weeks (78%), very low birth weight (44.6%) and asphyxia (41.1%). The total blood culture positivity was 38 (22.6%) cases, and Enterococcus faecalis was the most common organism in this study.Conclusion: The incidence and mortality of neonatal sepsis in LBW infants were still high. The importance of knowledge and awareness of pregnant women about danger signs and the risk of infection can reduce the incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis. Prevention of healthcare-associated infections can reduce the incidence of late-onset neonatal sepsis.

The Relation Between Maternal / Neonatal Vitamin D Levels and Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis

In addition to its classical role in bone metabolism, vitamin D also has an immunomodulatory effects on immune function. Our aim was to determine the relation between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D(25(OH)D) concentrations in newborns and their mothers with early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS). Also we aim to study the effect of severity of vitamin D deficiency on incidence of EOS. The design comprises a hospital- based case- control study. The study group consisted of 50 newborns with EOS who was admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and their mothers. Controls were 50 healthy newborns of the same age as the study group and their mothers. The study subjects were divided into insufficient, moderate and severe deficiency according to vitamin D level. There is no significant statistical difference between study and control groups in gestational week, birth weight, birth height, head circumference and age. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the study group newborns were significantly lower than those of the control group (11.58±4.883 ng/ml and 28.78±6.453 ng/ml respectively). The 25(0H)D concentrations of newborns were highly correlated with mothers’ serum in both groups. Severe vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in the sepsis group. Data shows that 25(OH)D concentrations of the newborns were highly correlated with the level of CRP, duration of hospital stay, and complications caused by sepsis. Our findings suggest that newborns with vitamin D deficiency may have an increased risk of suffering from EOS. Newborns with more vitamin D deficiency were found to have higher CRP levels, a longer hospital stay, and a higher incidence of complications. The strong positive correlation between newborns’ and their mothers’ 25(OH)D concentrations makes that adequate vitamin D supplementation of mothers during pregnancy is of great importance, through a proper ante-natal care, especially in winter months.

Neonatal Sepsis

Neonatal sepsis is associated with severe morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Clinical manifestations range from subclinical infection to severe local or systemic infection. Neonatal sepsis is divided into three groups as early-onset neonatal sepsis, late-onset neonatal sepsis and very late-onset neonatal sepsis according to the time of the onset. It was observed that the incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis decreased with intrapartum antibiotic treatment. However, the incidence of late-onset neonatal sepsis has increased with the increase in the survival rate of preterm and very low weight babies. The source of the causative pathogen may be acquisition from the intrauterine origin but may also acquisition from maternal flora, hospital or community. Prematurity, low birth weight, chorioamnionitis, premature prolonged rupture of membranes, resuscitation, low APGAR score, inability to breastfeed, prolonged hospital stay and invasive procedures are among the risk factors. This article reviews current information on the definition, classification, epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment of neonatal sepsis.

Incidence of neonatal sepsis in relation to prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM)&gt;18 hours and associated risk factors for early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS)

Introduction: PROM is significant not only in perinatal morbidity and mortality, but also in the long-term neonatal complications and sequelae in survived neonates. The evaluation of neonatal sepsis is important so as to institute treatment as quickly as possible. Hence the present study is undertaken to determine the incidence of early onset neonatal sepsis in relation to PROM of more than 18 hours. Method: The present prospective study was conducted from December 2013 to November 2014 in GSL medical college and hospital, Rajahmundry. All the neonates born to mothers with history of prolonged rupture of membranes >18hrs during study period was formed sample size for present study. Institutional Ethical Clearance was obtained prior begin of the study. A detailed history was taken including age, parity, Obstetric history of the mother with emphasis on exact time of rupture of membranes, duration history and antibiotics before labour were evaluated. Result: The incidence of EONS in present study was found to be 14.5%. In present study the incidence of sepsis is higher in low birth weight neonates (66%) compared to normal birth weight babies (34%) and higher rate of incidence in preterm neonates (61.5%) than in term neonates (38.5%). Further, Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest isolate (45.45%) followed by CONS (27.27%). Conclusion: In conclusion, evaluation of neonatal sepsis is very important so as to institute treatment as quickly as possible.

Outcome of newborns born to mothers with prolonged rupture of membrane

Introduction: Prolonged rupture of membrane (PROM) is an important risk factor for early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), which is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study is mainly done to know the outcome of neonates born to mothers with history of PROM. Methods: This study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2015 for a period of 12 months, in GSL medical college and hospital, Rajahmundry. Selection of cases-All the neonates born to mothers with history of prolonged rupture of membranes >18hrs were included in our study. Required investigations were done and followed during their hospital stay. Results: Out of 200 neonates born to mothers with PROM, 60 had clinical sepsis, 29 had confirmed sepsis. Out of 29 confirmed cases of sepsis, positive blood culture was seen in 22 cases. The incidence of EONS in present study was found to be 14.5%. In present study neonatal sepsis had a higher rate of incidence in preterm neonates (61.5%) than in term neonates (38.5%). The incidence of neonatal sepsis was found to be lower in neonates born to mothers who took prenatal antibiotic treatment (9.25%) as compared to neonates born to mothers who did not receive prenatal antibiotic treatment (20.65%). Respiratory distress was the commonest presenting clinical sign (33 cases). Out of all the five Sepsis screen parameters C-Reactive Protein has the highest sensitivity (90.90%). Conclusion: Preventive measures should focus on recognition of these high-risk infants with prompt laboratory screening for sepsis and early institution of empirical antibiotic based on local data

Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis in the Era of GBS Prophylaxis

The incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis due to group B Streptococcus (GBS) has declined significantly following the implementation of intrapartum prophylaxis. Initial surveillance reports raised concerns that screening and prophylaxis for GBS would result in an increased burden of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli neonatal sepsis. In the current study, investigators reviewed 10 years of population-based surveillance data on invasive bacterial infections in infants …

Comparison of changes in etiologic microorganisms causing early-onset neonatal sepsis between preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objective: To investigate changes in the etiologic microorganisms causing early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in preterm labor (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) cases over the past 16 years and to analyze the associated factors.Methods: We included consecutive singleton pregnancies delivered before 34 weeks due to PTL or pPROM. The etiologic microorganisms causing EONS in PTL and pPROM cases were compared between period 1 (1996–2004) and period 2 (2005–2012).Results: There was no difference in the incidence of Gram-positive bacteria causing EONS between period 1 and 2, either in PTL (2.0% versus 2.1%, p = 1.0) or in pPROM (1.5% versus 1.6%, p = 1.0). However, the incidence of EONS caused by Gram-negative bacteria was significantly increased in pPROM (0.6% versus 2.7%, p = 0.040) during period 2, compared to period 1; but not in PTL (0.3% versus 1.2%, p = 0.211). Multivariable analysis revealed that a prolonged ROM-to-delivery interval (>7 d) was significantly associated with EONS caused by Gram-negative bacteria in pPROM (odds ratio: 6.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–31.8, p = 0.018).Conclusions: The etiologic microorganisms causing EONS have changed over the past 16 years in pPROM cases but not in PTL cases.

Evolución de la sepsis neonatal precoz por Streptococcus agalactiae en el área de Barcelona (2004-2010). Análisis de los fallos del cumplimiento del protocolo de prevención

ObjectivesTo study the evolution of the incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) by Streptococcus agalactiae in the area of Barcelona and to analyze failure of compliance with the prevention protocol. MethodsA retrospective review was carried out on EOS cases in 8 Health-Care Centers in the Barcelona area between 2004 and 2010. ResultsForty-nine newborns from 48 mothers were diagnosed with EOS. The incidence was 0.29‰ living newborns (0.18-0.47‰), with no significant differences in the fluctuations along the 7 years. The mortality rate was 8.16%. In 68.5% cases the maternal colonization studies were negative, and in 21% these studies were not performed. No risk factors were detected in 58.3% of pregnant women, and 22.9% of births were premature. In 58% of cases intra-partum antibiotic prophylaxis was not administered because it was not indicated, and in 42% due to failure to follow the protocol (3 strains were resistant to erythromycin). Resistance to clindamycin was 33.3%. The Streptococcus agalactiae serotypes more frequently isolated were iii, v, and ia. ConclusionsNo significant changes were detected in the incidence of Streptococcus agalactiae EOS in the 7 years of the study. The increased sensitivity of screening methods with the use of molecular techniques, the performance of susceptibility testing of strains isolated from pregnant women, and the improvement of communication between Health-Care Centers, can contribute to a better implementation of the protocol, as well as to reduce the incidence of EOS.

Drug addiction during pregnancy – Risk factor for perinatal infections

Introduction. Neonatal infections are a major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy complicated by illicit drug abuse is a risk for perinatal infection. Objective. To assess the incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis (the first 7 days of life) in newborns from high-risk pregnancies for perinatal infections: the ones affected by drug abuse, without medical assistance versus clinical and fully investigated pregnancies. Material and methods. Retrospective study on newborns from “IOMC – “Gh Polizu” Emergency Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology”, Bucharest, sorted in two separate groups: one of 25 newborns, from 2005 to 2012, coming from uninvestigated pregnancies in women with illicit drug dependencies and another of 50 newborns from properly managed pregnancies from the clinical and anamnestic point of view, but with known risk factors for perinatal infections. The data has been statistically analyzed (correlation tests: Student T, Fisher exact, chi-square). Results. The incidence of newborns from pregnancies affected by drug abuse was 0,09% in all 28489 newborns, the highest percentage of 0,2% being recorded in 2011. Statistically significant differences between the two groups of newborns with risk factors for perinatal infections (emerged from uninvestigated pregnancies with drug abuse and respectively from investigated pregnancies) were: the age of the mothers – lower in drug addicted mothers (p_value 0,0002), the percentage of congenital infections (p_value 0,00003; OR 0,03; 95%CI) and respectively the mean length of hospital stay-days (p_value0,0180) higher in dug addicted mothers. On the other hand: the delivery by cesarean section (p_value 0,0010), urogenital colonization (p_value 0,0016) were more frequent in newborns from investigated pregnancies. A percent of 22 of all investigated women were positive for Group B Streptococcus and the most frequent type was I b type. The share of perinatal infections among neonatal morbidity was 33% for the newborns from drug addicted mothers and 27% for the newborns from investigated mothers. The incidence of neonatal infections was 52% for the newborns from drug addicted mothers (a risk of 1 in 1,9 cases) and 18% for the newborns from investigated mothers (a risk of 1 in 5,5 cases). Conclusions. Drug addiction during pregnancy represents a high risk factor for perinatal infections due to sexual and blood transmitted diseases associated with lack of hygiene, precarious nutrition and low immunological status and leads to high medical and social costs. The correct medical management of pregnancies, through early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal infections may lower the incidence and the consequences of perinatal infections.

Advances in medical diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection

Intrauterine infection is a global problem and a significant contributor to morbidity and perinatal death. The host response to infection causes an inflammatory state that acts synergistically with microbial insult to induce preterm birth and fetal damage. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection in the asymptomatic stage of the disease is critical for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. This article provides an overview of the most recent progress, challenges, and opportunities for discovery and clinical implementation of various maternal serum, cervicovaginal, and amniotic fluid biomarkers in pregnancies complicated by intra-amniotic infection. Clinically relevant biomarkers are critical to the accurate diagnostic of intrauterine infection. Front-end implementation of such biomarkers will also translate in lower incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) which is an important determinant of neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity. However, of the hundreds of differentially expressed proteins, only few may have clinical utility and thus function as biomarkers. The small number of validation studies along with barriers to implementation of technological innovations in the clinical setting are current limitations.

Pattern and etiology of culture-proven early-onset neonatal sepsis: a five-year prospective study

To investigate the incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis and identify the main pathogens over a 5-year period in Kuwait. Blood samples were collected from all infants with any clinical or laboratory feature suggestive of sepsis, at the main maternity hospital in Kuwait. Cases of early-onset neonatal infection were defined as culture of a single potentially pathogenic organism from blood or cerebrospinal fluid from infants younger than 7 days of age, in association with clinical or laboratory findings consistent with infection. The overall incidence of early-onset neonatal infection was 2.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-3.2) episodes per 1000 live-births. The case-fatality was 13.1% (95% CI 8.6-18.9%). Group B Streptococcus (GBS) accounted for 17.6% of infections among infants younger than 7 days (incidence 0.48 per 1000 live-births), but 38.1% of infections in the first 2 days of life. Neither the incidence of early-onset infection by GBS nor by Escherichia coli changed significantly over the study period. Although the incidence of GBS infections was relatively low, GBS accounted for most early-onset infections. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis against GBS should be strengthened. There was no evidence to suggest that early-onset infection due to non-GBS organisms such E. coli has increased in the last 5 years.

Evaluation of Cefotaxime and Desacetylcefotaxime Concentrations in Cord Blood after Intrapartum Prophylaxis with Cefotaxime

Preterm premature rupture of the membranes is associated with a high risk of neonatal sepsis. An increase in the incidence of early-onset neonatal sepsis due to ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli in premature infants has been observed in the past few years. Intrapartum prophylaxis with ampicillin has proven to be efficient for the prevention of early neonatal sepsis due to group B streptococci. To date, there is no strategy for the prevention of early neonatal sepsis due to ampicillin-resistant E. coli. Our aim was to investigate whether a standardized dosage regimen of intrapartum cefotaxime could provide concentrations in the cord blood greater than the cefotaxime MIC(90) for E. coli. Seven pregnant women hospitalized with preterm premature rupture of the membranes and colonized with ampicillin-resistant isolates of the family Enterobacteriaceae were included. Cefotaxime was given intravenously during delivery, as follows: 2 g at the onset of labor and then 1 g every 4 h until delivery. Blood specimens were collected from the mother 30 min after the first injection and just before the second injection, and at birth, blood specimens were simultaneously collected from the mother and the umbilical cord. The concentrations of cefotaxime in the cord blood ranged from 0.5 to 8.5 mg/liter. The MIC(90) of cefotaxime for E. coli strains (0.125 mg/liter) was achieved in all cases. This preliminary study supports the use of cefotaxime for intrapartum prophylaxis in women colonized with ampicillin-resistant isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. The effectiveness of this regimen for the prevention of neonatal sepsis needs to be evaluated with a larger population.