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Immediate postmortem cultures in an intensive care nursery
Pediatric Infectious Disease
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Bacterial infections are a significant factor in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patient deaths. Postmortem cultures revealed that nearly 26% of deceased infants had pathogenic organisms, often unsuspected before death.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Published studies indicate bacterial infections contribute to mortality in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients.
- The precise role of infection in NICU mortality requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of bacterial infection in infant mortality within a NICU setting.
- To determine the frequency and types of pathogens involved in neonatal deaths.
Main Methods:
- Routine postmortem blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were performed on all infants who died in the NICU over a 5-year period.
- Histologic examination was conducted on infants with positive postmortem cultures who underwent autopsy.
Main Results:
- 25.9% of deceased infants had positive postmortem cultures for pathogenic organisms.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Group B Streptococcus were the most common pathogens identified.
- 95% of infants with positive cultures and autopsy showed histologic evidence of infection.
- 43% of infants with positive postmortem cultures had no prior suspicion of serious infection or antibiotic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Postmortem cultures are valuable in identifying serious infections that may contribute to NICU mortality.
- Unsuspected serious bacterial infections are frequently found in infants who die in the NICU.