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What Is the Meaning of Neonatal Sepsis?

Neonatal sepsis refers to a bacterial blood infection that occurs during the neonatal period, up to 90 days after birth. Antibiotic treatment is usually effective, but neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of infant mortality. According to the Merck website, up to eight out of every 1000 babies contract neonatal sepsis.

  1. Causes

    • Neonatal sepsis is caused by a variety of bacteria, including E. coli, Group B streptococcus and Candida.

    Risk Factors

    • Risk factors for neonatal sepsis include maternal bleeding, maternal infection, preeclampsia, preterm delivery and prolonged hospitalization.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of neonatal sepsis include changes in the baby's body temperature, diarrhea, slow heart rate, vomiting, seizures, jaundice and breathing problems.

    Time Frame

    • Early-onset neonatal sepsis occurs within the first week after birth. Symptoms usually begin within six hours of birth. Late-onset neonatal sepsis occurs after the first week up through the infant's first 90 days of life.

    Diagnosis

    • Doctors perform blood tests, X-rays, lumbar punctures and urine cultures to diagnose neonatal sepsis.

    Treatment

    • Infants with suspected neonatal sepsis are usually given antibiotics immediately, before lab tests have been analyzed. Prompt treatment has a high rate of effectiveness.

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