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Neonatal infections in Asia
R Tiskumara1, S H Fakharee, C Q Liu
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|September 23, 2008
Summary
Neonatal unit infections in Asia show high late-onset sepsis incidence and significant antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacilli. Mortality rates for neonatal sepsis were 10.4%, with late-onset sepsis having a higher incidence than in developed countries.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neonatal unit infections pose a significant threat to infant survival.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these infections is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of neonatal unit infections in Asian countries.
- To determine the incidence, antibiotic sensitivity, and mortality associated with neonatal sepsis.
Main Methods:
- A one-year prospective study was conducted across eight neonatal units in Asia.
- Data collection focused on episodes of neonatal sepsis, causative organisms, antibiotic sensitivity, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- 453 sepsis episodes occurred in 394 infants, with an overall mortality of 10.4%.
- Late-onset sepsis incidence was 11.6 per 1000 live births with 8.9% mortality. Gram-negative bacilli showed high resistance (30% resistant to both gentamicin and cephalosporins).
- Early-onset sepsis was commonly caused by Group B Streptococcus (38% of cases).
Conclusions:
- Late-onset sepsis incidence in Asia exceeds that in resource-rich nations, though mortality and causative organisms are comparable.
- Over half of Gram-negative bacilli isolated demonstrated antibiotic resistance, highlighting a critical challenge in treatment.
- Targeted antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures are essential in Asian neonatal units.
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