Neonatal Sepsis presentation by Dr. Innocent .pptx

Excellen



Neonatal Sepsis Presentation

Introduction

Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening clinical condition characterized by systemic infection in newborns within the first 28 days of life. It represents one of the most serious neonatal emergencies encountered in clinical practice, accounting f...

Excellen



Neonatal Sepsis Presentation

Introduction

Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening clinical condition characterized by systemic infection in newborns within the first 28 days of life. It represents one of the most serious neonatal emergencies encountered in clinical practice, accounting for a significant proportion of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. The condition arises when pathogenic microorganisms—commonly bacteria, but also viruses or fungi—invade the bloodstream or other sterile body compartments of the neonate, triggering a systemic inflammatory response that can lead to multiorgan dysfunction. Early recognition and prompt management are vital because neonates often present with subtle, nonspecific signs that can easily be overlooked, resulting in catastrophic outcomes if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Neonatal sepsis is broadly classified as early-onset sepsis (EOS) or late-onset sepsis (LOS). Early-onset sepsis occurs within the first 72 hours of life (or within the first 7 days, according to some definitions), usually due to pathogens acquired from the maternal genital tract before or during delivery. Late-onset sepsis occurs after 72 hours of age and is often related to nosocomial or community-acquired infections. Understanding the clinical presentation, associated risk factors, and diagnostic cues is crucial in guiding prompt therapeutic intervention.

Definition and Classification

Neonatal sepsis is defined as a systemic infection in a neonate confirmed by positive blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine culture, or diagnosed clinically in the presence of compatible signs and symptoms with supportive laboratory findings.

Types

1. Early-Onset Sepsis (EOS):

Occurs within the first 72 hours of life (sometimes up to 7 days).

Commonly caused by pathogens transmitted vertically from the mother during labor or delivery.

Major organisms: Group B Streptococcus (GBS), Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus species.

Risk factors include premature rupture of membranes, maternal fever, chorioamnionitis, preterm labor, and low birth weight.



2. Late-Onset Sepsis (LOS):

Occurs after 72 hours of age.

Frequently associated with hospital-acquired or environmental pathogens, particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Common organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter species, and Candida species.

Often related to invasive procedures such as mechanical ventilation, umbilical catheterization, or total parenteral nutrition.


Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of neonatal sepsis involves a complex interplay between microbial invasion, immune system immaturity, and inflammatory responses which eventually lead to the causation of the disease. The pathophiology is the same irrespective of the locality where the victims may come from and it is global in occupancy as by the WHO.....