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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Drotrecogin alpha (activated) in neonatal septic shock
David Frommhold1, Alexandra Birle, Otwin Linderkamp
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany. david_frommhold@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Insights
Recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) effectively treated group B streptococcal septic shock in a neonate. The infant recovered fully within 14 days with no adverse effects from the treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and septic shock.
- Septic shock in neonates carries a high mortality rate.
- Activated protein C (APC) plays a crucial role in regulating coagulation and inflammation.
Observation:
- A 12-day-old neonate presented with severe GBS septic shock.
- The neonate received an infusion of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) at a dose of 24 microg/kg/h for 96 hours.
- Protein C activity levels increased significantly from 5% to 53% during rhAPC therapy.
Findings:
- The neonate demonstrated a complete clinical recovery within 14 days of rhAPC treatment.
- No adverse events or complications were observed during or after the rhAPC infusion.
- rhAPC therapy normalized protein C activity, suggesting restoration of anticoagulant pathways.
Implications:
- This case suggests that rhAPC may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for neonates with GBS septic shock.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and safety of rhAPC in larger neonatal populations with sepsis.
- Targeting coagulation pathways with rhAPC could offer a novel treatment strategy for severe neonatal infections.
Abstract:
A 12-d-old neonate suffering from group B streptococcal septic shock was treated with 24 microg/kg/h recombinant human activated protein C [rhAPC, drotrecogin alpha (activated)] for 96 h. The protein C activity increased from 5% to 53% after rhAPC infusion. The patient recovered within 14 d without any adverse effects.
