Sepsis

• What is neonatal sepsis?


  Bacterial or viral infection in the blood

  Affects babies within the first 28 days of life
• What is early onset sepsis (neonatal)?


  Within 72 hours of birth
• What is late onset sepsis (neonates)?

  7-28 days of life
• What is the most common pathogens that cause neonatal sepsis?

  Group B streptococcus

  E. coli
• What are some risk factors for neonatal sepsis?


  Mother who has a pervious baby with GBS infection

  Mother who has current GBS colonisation

  Premature

  Low birth weight
• What are some signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis?


  Grunting

  Resp distress

  Tachycardia

  Apnoea

  Reduced feeding

  Lethargy
• What are some investigations for neonatal sepsis?


  Blood culture

  FBC

  CRP

  Blood gases

  Lumbar puncture (if meningitis is suspected cause)
• How is neonatal sepsis managed?


  IV benzylpenicillin with gentamicin