Risk factors associated with Neonatal sepsis

Year : 2017 | Volume : 5 | Issue : 2 Page : 17 - 19

Shivaprasad B¹, Proteek Sen²

¹ Senior consultant, ²DNB trainee, Department of Neonatology,St Martha’s Hospital, Bangalore,India.

Address for correspondence: Dr Shivaprasad B, Senior consultant ,Department of Neonatology,St Martha’s Hospital, Bangalore 560001

Email: neoprasad@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: Infections are the single largest cause of neonatal deaths globally. Sepsis is the commonest cause of neonatal mortality and is responsible for about 30- 50% of the total neonatal deaths every year in developing countries. This study is done to assess the risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis.

Aims & objective :To assess the distribution of risk factors of neonatal sepsis.

Materials and Methods : This study was conducted over a period of 12 months. All neonates with culture positive or probable sepsis in St Martha’s NICU and postnatal ward were included in the study. 50 neonates fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied. Age of baby greater than 28 days and infants not showing features of sepsis were excluded from the study. A detailed history and clinical examination was done of the babies showing features of sepsis. The presence of risk factors were noted down.

Results :In the present study, males (76%) were more affected than females (24%) and the male to female ratio was 3.1:1. In this study low birth weight (LBW) is another important predisposing factor for neonatal sepsis, with majority of babies weighing between 1500 grams to 2499 grams. In our study it was seen that Premature Rupture Of Membranes (PROM) greater than 18 hours was associated with (46%) of the babies. Chorioamnionitis was present in 6% of the cases..

Conclusion :Sepsis was more common in male babies. Low birth weight and PROM > 18 hours has important contributing factor for sepsis. Chorioamnionitis, foul smelling liquor, maternal Urinary tract infections were other important contributing factors.

Key words : Neonatal, sepsis, low birth weight, premature rupture of membrane