Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Sepsis in King Khaleed Civilian Hospital, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Neonatal sepsis is defined as a clinical syndrome of bacteremia with systemic signs and symptoms of infection in the first 28 days of life. Of newborns with early-onset sepsis, 85% present within 24 hours, 5% present at 24-48 hours, and a smaller percentage present within 48-72 hours. The present study included 38 septic neonates. They were divided into two groups: Group with early onset neonatal sepsis (29) and another group with late onset neonatal sepsis (9). The study group with early-onset sepsis showed 18 (62.1%) males, 11 (37.9%) females, mean gestational age (weeks) 34.28±4.7, mean body weight (gm) 2.1±0.8, mean Apgar score at 1 min. 6.7±1.8. 21 (72.4%) delivered by CS, 8 (27.6%) delivered by NVD. E. coli was the commonest organism identified in blood culture of septic neonates. Maternal anemia, PROM, and fever were significant risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Prematurity and low birth weights were among the most common neonatal risk factors. Respiratory manifestations were the commonest manifestations of neonatal sepsis in both groups. Treating maternal anemia during pregnancy will help to reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis E. coli is still an important cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis. Blood cultures need to be done strictly before the start of the first dose of antibiotic.