Neonatal sepsis is blood infection in babies younger than 90 days old.  Early onset of sepsis is seen in the first week of life.  Late onset occurs after one week and before  3 months of age.

What causes neonatal sepsis ?

 
It is caused by bacteria such as  Escherichia coli (E.coli), Listeria, and some strains of streptococcus. The herpes virus can also cause severe infection in  the newborn.

In the case of early onset sepsis, the baby gets the infection either from the mother before or during delivery. It usually appears within 24 hours of life. You are at risk of early onset sepsis  if you fall into the following category .

• premature delivery
• mother got infection of the  placenta tissues and amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis)
• mother’s water broke 24 hours longer before birth
• mother had Group B streptococcus infection during pregnancy

 
Late onset sepsis is usually infection after delivery . The following increases your baby’s risk of late onset sepsis.

• having a catheter in a blood vessel for a long time
• staying in the hospital for an extended period of time

What are the symptoms of neonatal sepsis ?

 
Symptoms of neonatal sepsis includes the following :

• breathing problems
• low blood sugar
• body temperature changes
• reduced movement
• slow or fast  heart rate
• seizures
• diarrhea or decreased bowel movement
• vomiting
• swollen belly area
• jaundice
• reduced sucking

How is neonatal sepsis treated ?

 
Babies in the hospital or those younger than 4 weeks will be started on antibiotics through an IV  immediately. Lab results may take 24 to 72 hours . Antibiotics will be given for  3 weeks if bacteria is found in the blood or spinal fluid. Treatment will be shorter if no bacteria is found.

The antiviral medication  acyclovir will be used for infections that may be caused by the herpes virus.  Older babies who have normal lab results and a fever may not be given any antibiotics . They will just be monitored.

Babies who need treatment will be admitted as the hospital for monitoring.

Most babies who get neonatal sepsis recover completely. However this condition is the leading cause of death in infants. Early treatment is the key to survive.
 
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