Neonatal sepsis is a blood infection that affects babies three months of age and younger, caused by exposure to bacteria during pregnancy or birth. Symptoms include body temperature fluctuations, decreased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Treatment involves antibiotics and hospitalization, and prompt treatment can prevent complications such as disability and death. Proactive measures during pregnancy can help prevent neonatal sepsis.
Neonatal sepsis, also known as sepsis neonatorum, is a blood infection that affects babies three months of age and younger. Symptoms associated with this condition can occur anytime during the first three months of life. Treatment for this condition usually involves the administration of an antibiotic and may require hospitalization. Neonatal sepsis is considered a progressive disease that can have mild symptoms that worsen over time, increasing the baby’s risk of complications that can include organ function impairment, disability, and death.
Sepsis neonatorum is commonly associated with exposure to various bacteria which include Listeria, Escherichia (E. coli), and Group B Streptococcus. Bacterial exposure and infection can be transmitted to the baby while it is in utero or during the process of birth. Various situations can increase an infant’s risk for developing neonatal sepsis.
Infants who were exposed to group B strep while in utero may have a higher risk of becoming symptomatic within the first few weeks of life. Placental problems, such as an infection or rupture of placental tissue, can increase a newborn’s risk of developing neonatal sepsis. Preterm deliveries, unsanitary delivery conditions, and prolonged hospitalization after delivery also put a baby at increased risk of developing this type of blood infection.
Signs such as body temperature fluctuations, decreased heart rate, and difficulty breathing can be indicative of sepsis neonatorum. Infants with neonatal sepsis may be lethargic, have seizures, or show distention in the abdominal region. Additional signs of neonatal sepsis can include vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood glucose.
Laboratory tests can be used to determine the presence of bacteria and help confirm a diagnosis of newborn sepsis. Blood tests, including a blood culture and a complete blood count (CBC), may be conducted to evaluate protein levels, blood cell counts, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. An increase in the level of CRP is used as a marker to indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. In some cases, a lumbar puncture may be done to evaluate if the cerebrospinal fluid is free of bacteria. A urinalysis may also be done to look for markers suggestive of disease or infection.
Newborns with suspected neonatal sepsis may be given antibiotic drugs as a precautionary measure while test results are pending. After a diagnosis is confirmed, a child may be placed on an antibiotic regimen and monitored with regular office visits or on an outpatient basis. A child with severe symptoms may be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other medications, including corticosteroids and insulin, to stabilize her condition.
Babies with sepsis neonatorum who receive prompt diagnosis and prompt, appropriate treatment usually recover completely with no permanent damage or residual health problems. If not treated promptly, symptoms can worsen, leading to the spread of infection which can impair organ function and cause further complications. Additional complications associated with this condition can include disability and death. As a leading cause of infant mortality, neonatal sepsis can be prevented through proactive measures taken during pregnancy, including the use of antibiotics to treat existing infection, the administration of preventive antibiotics, and the provision of a healthcare environment for the I leave.
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