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Updated: Mar 10, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Recognition and management of sepsis in early infancy
Joanna Barnden1, Vanessa Diamond2, Paul Anthony Heaton3
1University of Bristol, Bristol.
Insights
Early recognition and prompt treatment of serious infections like sepsis in infants are crucial for reducing severe illness and death. This guide details common causes, key signs, and management strategies for infant sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Nursing
Background:
- Serious bacterial and viral infections significantly impact infant morbidity and mortality.
- Early recognition of sepsis is critical for timely, life-saving interventions.
- Common pathogens include Group B Streptococcus (GBS), Escherichia coli, and herpes simplex virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline leading causes of sepsis in early infancy.
- To discuss non-specific presentations and crucial diagnostic features of infant infections.
- To provide a systematic management approach for suspected infant sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2012) guidelines.
- Identification of 'red-flag' signs and symptoms in unwell infants.
- Discussion of implications for nursing practice and professional development.
Main Results:
- Sepsis presents with non-specific signs, necessitating careful history taking and examination.
- Early identification of 'red-flag' symptoms is vital for prompt diagnosis.
- Evidence-based management strategies improve infant outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition and management of infant sepsis are essential for improving outcomes.
- Healthcare professionals require updated knowledge on sepsis causes, presentation, and management.
- Nursing practice plays a key role in the effective care of infants with serious infections.
Abstract:
Serious bacterial and viral infections occurring in early infancy are important factors affecting morbidity and mortality. Recognition of sepsis by healthcare professionals is vital and allows initiation of appropriate early treatment which can be life-saving and improve outcomes for these infants greatly. This article outlines the leading causes of sepsis, for example, group B Streptococcus (GBS), Escherichia coli and herpes simplex virus. We discuss the non-specific ways in which an infant with a serious infection may present to health professionals and highlight crucial features to look for in the history and during examination of an unwell infant, and these include 'red-flag' signs and symptoms that should be carefully elicited. A systematic approach for the management of an infant with suspected sepsis based on up-to-date evidence and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE 2012 ) recommendations are discussed. Implications for nursing practice are also included, with a summary of sepsis in early infancy to aid the continued professional development of nurses working with young children in clinical settings.
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