Neonatal Sepsis

Question 1

Symptoms of Neonatal Sepsis

Answer 1

Might only be fever + poor feeding.
May even be hypothermic.
May have inconsolable crying or “paradoxical irritability (crying when held, but quiet when left alone).

Question 2

Causes of Neonatal Sepsis

Answer 2

Similar to meningitis :

■ Neonates: GBS, listeria, E. coli

■ 1-3 months old: S. pneumoniae, H influenzae, non-typhoidal
salmonella, Neisseria meningitidis

Question 3

Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis

Answer 3

■ **Antibiotics: ampicillin + gentamicin for 14 days. Alternatively use cefotaxime (ceftriaxone increases risk of kernicterus in neonates)

■ Follow closely for at least 72 hours.