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Septicaemia in the newborn and elderly
W R Gransden1, S J Eykyn, I Phillips
1Department of Microbiology, United Medical School of Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Septicaemia (blood poisoning) increased in elderly and neonate patients over two decades. Despite demographic shifts, overall mortality declined for these groups, with outcomes linked to infection source and patient age.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Septicaemia (blood poisoning) poses significant risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.
- Understanding trends in septicaemia incidence and outcomes is crucial for public health.
- Demographic changes may influence the epidemiology of infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in septicaemia episodes among elderly and neonate patients.
- To identify changes in causative organisms and common infection sites.
- To evaluate mortality rates and factors influencing outcomes in these patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5304 septicaemia episodes from 1969 to 1992.
- Stratification of patient data by age group (elderly >65 years, neonates).
- Comparison of incidence, causative organisms, infection foci, and mortality over time.
Main Results:
- Increasing proportion of septicaemia cases in the elderly (>84 years) and neonates.
- Shift in neonatal septicaemia: decreased Escherichia coli, stable group B streptococcus, increased coagulase-negative staphylococci.
- Overall mortality declined in both neonates and elderly patients, influenced by infection focus, fever, and age.
Conclusions:
- Demographic shifts contribute to the changing profile of septicaemia in elderly and neonate populations.
- Despite declining mortality, specific factors like infection site and age remain critical for patient outcomes.
- Evolving microbial patterns in neonatal septicaemia necessitate ongoing surveillance and adapted treatment strategies.