Clinical and Biomarker Predictors of Neonatal Sepsis - An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre

  • Abhishek Dubey Junior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati, Maharashtra, India.
  • Pratibha V Kale Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati, Maharashtra, India.
Keywords: Neonatal Sepsis, Late-Onset Sepsis, Early-Onset Sepsis

Abstract

Objectives: Assessing the early clinical features for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care centre from central India.
Method: This is an observational, cross-sectional study done between December 2019 and June 2021. Neonates from a tertiary care centre of central India with clinical features of probable sepsis were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed. Association was sought between various clinical features and complications with culture-proven neonatal sepsis.
Results: Sixty-five neonates were included, of which 44 (67.7%) were preterm and 21 (32.3%) were full-term. The most common presenting features of early as well as late-onset sepsis were respiratory distress, lethargy, and refusal to feed. Majority of neonates had EOS (60, 92.3%) compared to LOS (19, 29.2%). 14 neonates who were initially treated for EOS were readmitted as LOS. Out of the total 79 blood culture samples sent, only 29 (36.7%) were positive. In both EOS and LOS, Klebsiella pneumoniae (10, 34.5%) was found to be the most commonly isolated organism. Next in frequency were MRSA (6, 20.7%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (3, 10.3%). Respiratory failure (47, 72.3%) was the most common complication, followed by persistent hyperbilirubinemia (42, 64.6%) and hypoperfusion (14, 21.5%).
Conclusions: High suspicion should be kept for neonatal sepsis especially when neonates present with features like respiratory distress, refusal to feed, lethargy, weak/ high pitched cry, thermal imbalance, irritability etc. These features can be implemented at the primary health care level to start early treatment and make quick referrals.

How to cite this article:
Dubey A, Kale PV. Clinical and Biomarker Predictors of Neonatal Sepsis - An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre. Postgrad J Pediatr Adol Med. 2022;1(1):16-20.

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Published
2022-04-02