Clinical Characteristics and Early Evolution of Neonates with Perinatal Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Perinatal infections by Gram-negative bacteria present significant risks to newborns, particularly in resource-limited environments.
• Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges exacerbate complications from these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clinically characterize Gram-negative infections in neonates.
• To identify early outcomes and risk factors associated with these infections.
• To analyze data from neonates admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study involving 44 infected neonates and 47 controls.
• Analysis of clinical, laboratory, and microbiological data.
• Statistical comparisons and logistic regression to determine risk factors and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Male sex and vaginal delivery were significantly associated with Gram-negative infections.
• Respiratory distress and digestive symptoms were prevalent in infected neonates.
• Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen; multidrug-resistant strains were noted in bloodstream infections.

Conclusions:

• Gram-negative perinatal infections lead to substantial morbidity, especially in male neonates and those delivered vaginally.
• Early identification and antimicrobial stewardship are vital.
• Intensive respiratory support is essential for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.