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08:46
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Hyperthermia in Term Neonates: Profile and Factors Associated With Sepsis
Shivangi R Jaiswal1, Ruchi Rai2, Dharmendra K Singh1
1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Child Health, Noida, IND.
Cureus
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Differentiating neonatal hyperthermia (HT) is crucial. Sepsis, environmental hyperthermia (EH), and dehydration fever (DF) present similarly, but lethargy, repeat HT, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) indicate sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Neonatal hyperthermia (HT) can stem from sepsis, environmental factors (EH), or dehydration fever (DF).
- Accurate diagnosis is vital for appropriate treatment and to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use in neonates.
- Distinguishing sepsis from other causes of HT is a clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate neonatal hyperthermia (HT) causes: sepsis, environmental hyperthermia (EH), and dehydration fever (DF).
- To identify clinical and laboratory parameters associated with sepsis in term neonates presenting with HT.
- To guide provisional diagnosis and antimicrobial stewardship.
Main Methods:
- Term neonates admitted with HT (>37°C) were enrolled.
- Evaluated using complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and blood cultures.
- Neonates were grouped into EH, DF, and sepsis based on clinical course and investigations; characteristics were compared.
Main Results:
- Sepsis accounted for 42.2% of HT cases, followed by EH (34.5%) and DF (23.3%).
- Significantly higher mean C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were observed in the sepsis group.
- Lethargy, recurrent hyperthermia, and elevated CRP were significantly associated with sepsis diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Not all neonatal hyperthermia cases require sepsis treatment; careful evaluation is necessary.
- Sick neonates require prompt antibiotic treatment, while well-appearing neonates can be closely monitored.
- A repeat episode of HT in well-appearing neonates warrants antibiotic initiation and thorough investigation.
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