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A Controlled Mouse Model for Neonatal Polymicrobial Sepsis
Published on: January 27, 2019
Neonatal sepsis workups in infants >/=2000 grams at birth: A population-based study
G J Escobar1, D K Li, M A Armstrong
1Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Division of Research, Perinatal Research Unit, Oakland, California 94611, USA. gabriel.escobar@ncal.kaiperm.org
Pediatrics
|August 2, 2000
Summary
The risk of bacterial infection in newborns is low, especially if they show no initial symptoms. Key predictors like maternal fever and neutrophil count can help define observation protocols for neonatal sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Intrapartum antibiotic therapy is common, yet data on neonatal sepsis outcomes are limited.
- Evaluating neonatal sepsis requires understanding risk factors in this evolving clinical landscape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze predictors of neonatal bacterial infection in newborns weighing >/=2000g.
- To assess the outcomes of neonatal sepsis evaluations in the context of widespread intrapartum antibiotic use.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 18,299 newborns evaluated for suspected bacterial infection at 6 hospitals (Oct 1995-Nov 1996).
- Analysis of laboratory data, clinical records, and post-discharge tracking up to 1 week.
- Statistical analysis of predictors associated with neonatal bacterial infection.
Main Results:
- 15.2% of eligible newborns were evaluated for sepsis; 2.2% met criteria for bacterial infection (proven, probable, or possible).
- Asymptomatic status in infants not receiving intrapartum antibiotics was linked to lower infection risk (AOR: .26).
- Chorioamnionitis, low absolute neutrophil count, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid increased infection risk.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic newborns have a low risk of bacterial infection.
- Evidence-based protocols for neonatal sepsis observation and treatment can be developed using predictors like maternal fever, chorioamnionitis, neonatal exam, and neutrophil count.
- Opportunities exist for improved maternal and neonatal treatment to prevent sepsis.
