Infections in the Newborn Flashcards
What are the common organisms causing septicaemia?
Gram negatives: klebsiella, e.coli. Group B hemolytic streptococci (S. Agalactiae)
When does septicaemia arise?
Before or after birth
Nocosomial after 72 hours
What are the clinical signs of septicaemia?
Nonspecific: Lethargy, Abdominal distention, Poor feeding, Apnea, Poor weight gain, Jaundice, Hypothermia, Pallor
How is septicaemia diagnosed?
Leucopaenia- total white cell count
Confirmed on blood culture
CRP may be normal at first, and increase above 10mg/l
What are the complications of septicaemia?
Meningitis Pneumonia Metabolic disturbances including acidosis Hypoglycaemia DIC
How is sepsis treated?
Suitable antibiotics given to cover both gram +&- organisms
E.g. Penicillin 100000u/kg 12hrly and gentamicin 5mg/kg daily.
Review blood culture and CRP after 48 hours rx
Treat for 7-10/7 if B/C + or CRP raised (>10), rx usually continued until CRP
How do you manage an infant in which septicaemia is clinically suspected?
Start Abx and review after 48 hours
Full course of rx not given unless investigations performed as to avoid drug resistance
What is the risk of a fetus contracting HIV in utero?
5%
What is the risk of the infant contracting HIV intrapartum (NVD)?
15%
What is the added risk of contracting HIV if mixed feeds are given?
15%
What is the effect on transmission if the mother has AIDS or contracts HIV during pregnancy and why?
Transmission is even higher because she will have a higher viral load.
What are other factors that can increase the risk of HIV infection? (8)
Amniocentesis Chorioamnionitis PROM Preterm delivery Fetal scalp sampling or fetal scalp electrode Assisted delivery with episiotomy and vacuum Mastitis or breast abscess Oral thrush
When do perinatally infected infants present clinically and how?
Between 3/12 and 3 years
Stop thriving and develop severe infections due to damaged immune system
What indicators are used to determine management plan in HIV positive mothers? What are the cut offs?
WHO stage or CD4 count
WHO stage 3 or 4 OR CD4 350 cells/ml
How is a woman with stage 3 HIV managed antepartum?
Started on lifelong HAART using triple drug therapy
How is a woman with a CD4 count of 550 cells/ml managed antepartum?
She is started on oral AZT 300mg bd at 14/40
How is a woman with stage 2 HIV and a CD4 count of 400 cells/ml managed during labour?
Given AZT 3 hourly during labour
Single dose nevirapine 200mg at onset of labour
Truvada (TDF and FTC) given during labour
Given to reduce viral resistance
What criteria must be met for formula feeding to be safe?
Affordable Feasible Acceptable Safe Sustainable
In poor communities, what feeding is recommended, for how long and why?
Breast feeding until at least 6/12 Reduces risk of malnutrition and gastroenteritis
What is the immediate management of an HIV exposed neonate?
Single dose oral nevirapine within 6 hours of birth
Dose is 15mg for infants >2.5kg, 10mg if 2-2.5kg, and 2mg/kg if
How long is an HIV exposed infant given nevirapine?
Until 6 weeks
How does nevirapine protect the exposed neonate?
It reduces HIV transmission during breastfeeding in mothers with CD4 count >350 cells/ml