Neonatal Sepsis

Neonatal Sepsis Latest News

Recently, the Lancet Global Health journal study said that more than a third of newborns diagnosed with sepsis could die.

About Neonatal Sepsis

• It is a blood infection that occurs in an infant younger than 90 days old.
• It can be caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E coli), Listeria, and some strains of streptococcus.
• Symptoms of Neonatal Sepsis : Body temperature changes Breathing problems and Diarrhea or decreased bowel movements etc
• Treatment: Sepsis in newborns is curable.Sepsis must be treated in a hospital, usually through antibiotics transmitted intravenously. 
• Prevalence of Neonatal Sepsis: Neonatal sepsis results in more than 5,50,000 deaths globally every year. India accounts for nearly one-fourth of the global burden of infection-related deaths.

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Classification of Neonatal Sepsis

• Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis: Most providers use the term “early-onset neonatal sepsis” to describe sepsis that develops within the first 72 hours of life.
• Late-onset Neonatal Sepsis: Most providers refer to “late-onset neonatal sepsis” as sepsis that develops after three days of life.

Neonatal Sepsis FAQs

Q1. What causes sepsis in newborns?

Ans. Newborn sepsis is most often caused by bacteria

Q2. Why does sepsis happen after birth?

Ans. Maternal sepsis usually occurs when a C-section incision, tear or other wound from childbirth becomes infected in the days or weeks after giving birth. 

Q3. What age is neonatal sepsis?

Ans. Neonatal sepsis is a blood infection that occurs in an infant younger than 90 days old.

Source: TH