Sepsis Flashcards
What is neonatal sepsis?
An invasive infection, usually bacterial, occurring during the neonatal period.
What is early onset neonatal sepsis?
Sepsis from organisms acquired intrapartum, with most infants showing symptoms within 6 hours of birth and almost all cases occurring within 72 hours.
What organisms commonly cause early onset neonatal sepsis?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and gram-negative enteric organisms.
What are the risk factors for early onset neonatal sepsis?
GBS infection during pregnancy, preterm delivery, rupture of membranes lasting longer than 24 hours before birth, and chorioamnionitis (infection of placenta tissues and amniotic fluid).
What is late onset neonatal sepsis?
Sepsis acquired from the environment after birth.
What organisms commonly cause late onset neonatal sepsis?
Staphylococci, E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
What are the risk factors for late onset neonatal sepsis?
IV lines and extended hospital stays.
What are common signs of neonatal sepsis?
Diminished spontaneous activity, less vigorous sucking, apnea, bradycardia, temperature instability, respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention, jitteriness, seizures, and jaundice.
How is neonatal sepsis diagnosed?
Clinically and based on culture results.
What is the initial treatment for neonatal sepsis?
Antibiotics (ampicillin plus either gentamicin or cefotaxime), intravenous fluids (IVF), and oxygen therapy.
When should antibiotics be adjusted in neonatal sepsis?
They should be narrowed to organism-specific drugs as soon as possible based on culture results.
