Neonatal Sepsis
What is Neonatal Sepsis?
Neonatal sepsis is a serious medical condition in which bacteria enter the bloodstream of an infant and cause a severe infection. It is one of the leading causes of death in infants, and can lead to long-term health issues if not treated promptly and aggressively. Fortunately, advances in technology and medical treatments have greatly improved the survival rate of infants with neonatal sepsis.
What Causes Neonatal Sepsis?
Neonatal sepsis is most often caused by a bacterial infection or toxic shock. Bacteria from the mother can enter the infant’s bloodstream during labor, delivery, or postpartum. Preterm infants are most at risk due to immature immune systems, as well as infants who are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Other risk factors for neonatal sepsis include the preterm or postterm delivery, maternal fever, maternal infections, and umbilical cord infections.
Signs and Symptoms of Neonatal Sepsis
Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is critical for successful treatment, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms. The signs of sepsis range from subtle to severe, and may include the following:
- Fever
- Difficulty or labored breathing
- Irritability
- Poor feeding or poor weight gain
- Lethargy or listlessness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain or swelling
- Rash
- Abnormal heartbeat or low heart rate
- Decreased urine output
- Blood in urine or stool
Diagnosis & Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis
If your infant shows signs of sepsis, it is important to take them to a doctor or emergency department immediately. The doctor will perform a physical exam and recommend any additional testing that may be needed. Blood tests, urine tests, lumbar punctures, imaging tests, and other tests may be performed to diagnose sepsis in an infant.
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment for neonatal sepsis will typically involve a combination of antibiotics to fight the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, the baby may also need supplemental oxygen, fluids, and other supportive treatments. In some cases, additional interventions may be necessary. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended.