Neonatal sepsis

Neonatal sepsis
Synonyms	Sepsis neonatorum
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, hypothermia, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress
Complications	Septic shock, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome
Onset	Within the first 28 days of life
Duration	Varies, depending on treatment
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection
Risks	Premature birth, low birth weight, prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal infection
Diagnosis	Blood culture, complete blood count, C-reactive protein
Differential diagnosis	Meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection
Prevention	Maternal screening, antibiotic prophylaxis
Treatment	Antibiotics, supportive care
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies, can be serious if not treated promptly
Frequency	1 to 8 per 1000 live births
Deaths	N/A

Neonatal sepsis is a type of neonatal infection that occurs in an infant less than 28 days old. It is a systemic infection that can lead to serious complications and even death if not treated promptly and effectively.

Causes

Neonatal sepsis can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most common bacterial causes include Group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Viral causes can include herpes simplex virus and enterovirus, while fungal causes are typically due to Candida species.

Symptoms

Symptoms of neonatal sepsis can vary widely and may include fever, hypothermia, apnea, tachycardia, cyanosis, jaundice, and seizures. Infants may also exhibit feeding difficulties, lethargy, and irritability.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. These tests may include blood culture, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin levels. Imaging studies such as chest X-ray or ultrasound may also be used.

Treatment

Treatment for neonatal sepsis typically involves antibiotic therapy, often with a combination of drugs to cover a broad range of potential pathogens. Supportive care, including intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation, may also be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of neonatal sepsis can involve a variety of strategies, including infection control measures in the hospital, vaccination of pregnant women, and prophylactic antibiotic treatment for high-risk infants.

See also

• Sepsis
• Neonatology
• Pediatric infectious disease