Insight Into Neonatal Sepsis: An Overview

There are approximately 1.3 million cases of neonatal sepsis reported worldwide with deaths occurring more commonly in preterm and low-weight newborns. Neonatal sepsis is the third major cause of neonatal deaths resulting in 203,000 deaths per year. It is divided into two subtypes based on time of occurrence: early-onset neonatal sepsis (ENS), occurring within the first 72 hours of birth usually due to perinatal risk factors, and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) usually occurring after the first week of life and up to 28th day of life. There are many complications associated with neonatal sepsis including septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death. It is vital for clinicians to know the signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis in order to diagnose it early. Preventive measures, early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic administration, timely supportive management, and the establishment of efficient management are vital in the prevention of severe complications or death. In this review, we aim to provide the most up-to-date information regarding risk factors, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of neonatal sepsis. We discuss the maternal and neonatal risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of neonatal sepsis and the signs and symptoms of early and late neonatal sepsis. We focus on the different pathogens involved and the markers used in the diagnosis and treatments available for each.