Improved efficiency in the management of newborns with infectious risk factors by the sepsis risk calculator and clinical observation

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficiency of the sepsis risk calculator and the serial clinical observation in the management of late preterm and term newborns with infectious risk factors. Method Single-center, observational, two-phase cohort study comparing the rates of neonates born ≥35 weeks' gestation, ≥2000 g birthweight, and without major congenital anomalies, who were screened and/or received antibiotics for early-onset neonatal sepsis risk at our center during two periods, before (January/2018-June/2019) and after (July/2019-December/2020) the implementation of the sepsis risk calculator. Results A total of 1796 (Period 1) and 1867 (Period 2) patients with infectious risk factors were included. During the second period, tests to rule out sepsis were reduced by 34.0 % (RR, 95 %CI): 0.66 (0.61, 0.71), blood cultures by 13.1 %: 0.87 (0.77, 0.98), hospital admissions by 13.5 %: 0.86 (0.76, 0.98) and antibiotic administration by 45.9 %: 0.54 (0.47, 0.63). Three cases of early-onset neonatal sepsis occurred in the first period and two in the second. Clinical serial evaluation would have detected all true cases. Conclusions The implementation of a sepsis risk calculator in the management of newborns ≥35 weeks GA, ≥2000 g birthweight, without major congenital anomalies, with infectious risk factors is safe and adequate to reduce laboratory tests, blood cultures, hospital admissions, and antibiotics administration. Serial clinical observation, in addition, could be instrumental to achieve or even improve this goal.

Prevalencia de sepsis neonatal confirmada microbiológicamente en una maternidad de la Ciudad Autó noma de Buenos Aires / Prevalence of microbiologically confirmed neonatal sepsis at a maternity center in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. En neonatos internados es frecuente sospechar sepsis neonatal, pero solo en el 25 % al 30 % se confirma con cultivos positivos. La selección del esquema antibiótico basándose en la epidemiología local favorece el uso racional y minimiza sus efectos colaterales. Objetivo primario. Describir la prevalencia de sepsis precoz y tardía con rescate microbiológico y sus características clínicas. Población y método. Estudio transversal retrospectivo, realizado del 1 de enero de 2013 al 31 de diciembre de 2017, en una maternidad pública de Argentina, que incluyó todos los recién nacidos internados en la unidad con diagnóstico de sepsis precoz y tardía con rescate microbiológico, y aquellos reingresados dentro del mes de vida. Resultados. Ingresaron 3322 recién nacidos, 1296 evaluados por sospecha de sepsis precoz, cultivos positivos en 25 (1,9 %; tasa: 0,86 ‰). El 52 % eran menores de 33 semanas de edad gestacional. Microorganismos: Escherichia coli 5, Listeria monocytogenes 4, Streptococcus agalactiae (SGB) 3, Streptococcus pneumoniae 3. Sepsis tardía (tasa 8,73 ‰), el 68 % ocurridas en menores de 33 semanas. Microorganismos intrahospitalarios: Staphylococcus coagulasa negativos 115, Staphylococcus aureus 47, Escherichia coli 30, Cándida spp. 16, Enterococcus faecalis 13, Klebsiella pneumoniae 11 y Streptococcus agalactiae 10. En los reingresos: E. coli 11, S. aureus 12, SGB 3 y Haemophilus influenzae 3. Conclusiones. Se observa en el período estudiado una frecuencia de sepsis precoz similar a los reportes internacionales, con predominio de E. coli y L. monocytogenes. La tasa de sepsis tardía presentó una tendencia descendente en los años analizados, con predominio de los cocos grampositivos

Introduction. Neonatal sepsis is often suspected in hospitalized newborn infants, but only in 25­30% of cases it is confirmed via a positive culture. Selecting the antibiotics based on local epidemiology favors their rational use and minimizes their side effects. Primary objective. To describe the prevalence of early- and late-onset sepsis with microorganism isolation and their clinical characteristics. Population and method. Retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted between 01-01-2013 and 12-31-2017 in a public maternity center of Argentina in all hospitalized newborn infants with a diagnosis of early- and late-onset sepsis with microorganism isolation, and those re-admitted in their first month of life. Results. A total of 3322 newborn infants were admitted; 1296 were assessed for suspected early- onset sepsis; 25 had a positive culture (1.9%; rate: 0.86‰). Of these, 52% were born before 33 weeks of gestation. Microorganisms: Escherichia coli 5, Listeria monocytogenes 4, Streptococcus agalactiae (SGB) 3, Streptococcus pneumoniae 3. Also, 68% of late-onset sepsis cases (rate: 8.73‰) occurred in infants born before 33 weeks of gestation. Hospital-acquired microorganisms: coagulase-negative Staphylococcus 115, Staphylococcus aureus 47, Escherichia coli 30, Candida spp. 16, Enterococcus faecalis 13, Klebsiella pneumoniae 11, and Streptococcus agalactiae 10. In re-admissions: E. coli 11, S. aureus 12, SGB 3, and Haemophilus influenzae 3. Conclusions. During the study period, the frequency of early-onset sepsis was similar to international reports, with a predominance of E. coli and L. monocytogenes. The rate of late-onset sepsis showed a downward trend in the analyzed years, with a predominance of Gram-positive cocci.

Utilidad de la proteína C-reactiva en la sepsis neonatal temprana / Utility of C-reactive protein in early neonatal sepsis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La baja sensibilidad y especificidad de las ayudas diagnósticas y el bajo aislamiento en los cultivos dificulta el reconocimiento de la sepsis bacteriana de inicio temprano en neonatos. OBJETIVO: Determinar la validez diagnóstica de la de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) en la sepsis en la sepsis neonatal temprana. MÉTODO: Se evaluó el papel de la PCR en el diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal temprana. Las concentraciones se midieron a las 12 y 48 h de vida en pacientes con sospecha de sepsis. Al evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad de la PCR, se utilizó el resultado de manera cuantitativa y mediante una curva ROC no paramétrica se estimó sensibilidad y especificidad, razones de verosimilitud y porcentaje de clasificación correcta para cada punto de corte posible. RESULTADOS: El estudio incluyó 198 pacientes. La sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictor positivo (VPP), valor predictor negativo (VPN), índice de probabilidad positiva e índice de probabilidad negativa de la PCR fue de 72,2 - 82,4 - 45,2 - 93,7 - 4,1 y 0,3, respectivamente con área bajo la curva de 0,78. CONCLUSIONES: La PCR es particularmente útil para descartar una infección. Dos PCR seriadas negativas en ausencia de expresión clínica y de hemocultivos positivos tienen un alto VPN y un índice de probabilidad negativa a favor de excluir la infección con una alta certeza y/o de descontinuar la terapia antibiótica.

BACKGROUND: The low sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic aids and the low isolation in cultures make it difficult to recognize early-onset bacterial sepsis in neonates. AIM: Determine the diagnostic validity of C reactive protein (CRP) in early neonatal sepsis. METHOD: The role of CRP in the diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis was evaluated. Levels were measured at 12 and 48 hours of life in patients with suspected sepsis. When evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of the CRP, the result was used quantitatively, using a non-parametric ROC curve to estimate sensitivity and specificity, likelihood ratios and percentage of correct classification for each possible cut-off point. RESULTS: The study included 198 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive probability index and negative probability index of CRP, were 72.2 - 82.4 - 45.2 - 93.7 - 4.1, and 0.3, respectively with area under the curve of 0.78. CONCLUSIONS: CRP is particularly useful to rule out infection. Two negative serial CRP in the absence of clinical symptoms and positive blood cultures have a high negative predictive value and a negative probability index in favor of excluding infection with high certainty and/or discontinuing antibiotic therapy.

Clinical characteristics and etiological analysis of early-onset and late-onset neonatal sepsis / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, etiology and outcome of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS).Methods:The clinical data of 265 neonates with NS admitted in the neonatal ward of the the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2014 to September 2020 were enrolled, including 76 cases of EONS and 189 cases of LONS. The general information, clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, pathogen distribution, treatment and outcome of the two groups were analyzed with SPSS25.0 statistical software.Results:The rates of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prenatal maternal fever, abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil count in EONS group were significantly higher than those in LONS group ( P<0.05 or <0.01). However, the rates of indwelling central venous catheters, mechanical ventilation, fever, abdominal distension, abnormal platelet count and serum prealbumin level in LONS group were significantly higher than those in EONS group ( P<0.05 or <0.01). Staphylococcus epidermidis(135/265)and Staphylococcus aureus (22/265) were the most common gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli (13/265) was the most common gram-negative bacteria in NS. The proportion of gram-positive bacteria was the highest in both EONS group (85.5%) and LONS group (84.7%), which was mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis of coagulase negative staphylococci. The proportion of Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus infections in EONS group was significantly higher than that in LONS group ( P<0.05 or <0.01). The proportion of Staphylococcus aureus infection in LONS group was significantly higher than that in EONS group ( P<0.01). There was no significant difference in case fatality rate between EONS group and LONS group (6.6% vs 2.6%, P>0.05). Conclusions:Perinatal amniotic fluid pollution and prenatal maternal fever are risk factors for the occurrence of EONS, while indwelling central venous catheter and mechanical ventilation are risk factors for the occurrence of LONS. Abnormal platelet count and abnormal serum prealbumin are more common in the LONS group. The bacteria detected in EONS and LONS are mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis. Clinical diagnosis and treatment of EONS and LONS should be managed differently.

Neonatal Sepsis: The Alarm Bell is Ringing Loud!

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis remains an important causeof neonatal mortality and morbidity despite the tremendousadvances in the field of neonatology over the last two decades.Current research aimed to study the profile of neonatal sepsis& its antimicrobial sensitivity pattern.Material and methods Two year prospective observationalstudy was conducted at NICU of NMCH Patna from May2018 to April 2020. Neonates with clinical diagnosis ofneonatal sepsis as per IMCI and WHO clinical criteria forneonatal sepsis and/or >2 risk factors associated with EONSwere enrolled in study.Results: Out of the 341 cases enrolled, blood culture waspositive in only 130(38%). Incidence of EONS was 67%and that of LONS was 33%. Majory of the septic neonateswere preterm (64%). 55% of such neonates were of malesex. Gram negative bacteria accounted for 55% of all cases,61% of EONS and 44% of LONS cases. The most commonisolate was Staph. aureus closely followed by Klebsiella sp.Gram negative bacteria, esp. Klebsiella had a high incidenceof resistance to the empirical antibiotic used and to most ofthe commonly used antibiotics. Culture positive group had asignificantly higher mortality as compared to culture negativegroup(p<0.001).Conclusion: Blood culture though gold standard was notpositive in majority of the cases. Neonatal sepsis was morecommonly associated with prematurity. Gram negativeorganisms were the commonest etiologic agents. Emergenceof strains resistant to even the newest antibiotics poses a greatconcern.

The utilization of neutrophil lymphocyte count ratio as predictor of neonatal sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

@#<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Neonatal sepsis remains to be an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality and its diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific signs and symptoms that may mimic other infectious conditions. Blood culture, the gold standard in the diagnosis of sepsis, is limited by it being time-consuming and with high probability of false negative results.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To investigate the usefulness of the NLR as a predictor in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and early - onset neonatal sepsis (EOS).</p><p><strong>METHODS:</strong> Relevant publications from 2009 to 2019 that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were identified through electronic database search. Studies were analyzed and a meta- analysis was performed. The effect of NLR was calculated as a predictive factor for EOS. \</p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Four observational studies were included with a total of 392 patients. Two studies were analyzed for EOS which included 242 patients. There is significant association between NLR and neonatal sepsis. The sensitivity and specificity of NLR to predict sepsis were 84.5% and 91%. The sensitivity and specificity of NLR to predict EOS were 71% and 66%.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> NLR is an acceptable tool in predicting neonatal sepsis and EOS but its usefulness is limited due to the presence of bias and heterogeneity in the studies included.</p><p><strong>RECOMMENDATIONS:</strong> Further studies, preferably local studies, to investigate and validate the usefulness of the NLR as a predictor of neonatal sepsis and EOS is recommended.</p>

Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns in Neonatal Septicaemia in Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Neonatal septicaemia has great role in morbidityand mortality among neonates. Neonatal mortality rate hasbeen reported in India as 17 per 1000 live births as per 2016-17 data. Neonatal septicaemia may be of early onset or lateonset depending of the age of the neonates. The mostcommon bacterial agents involved are Group B Streptococcus,Klebsiella pneumoniae, CoNS, Streptococcus pneumoniae,Haemophilus influenzae etc. Diagnosis is done by manymethods but the most important and absolute mode ofdiagnosis is blood culture.Aims and Objectives: The present study is done for thedetection of bacteriological profile and their antibioticsusceptibility pattern in case of neonatal septicaemia. Earlydiagnosis and specific treatment can save the lives of manyneonates who are suffering from neonatal septicaemia.Materials and Methods: The material used for the diagnosis isvenous blood of the suspected neonates. Blood culture methodis used for the diagnosis of Neonatal septicaemia. Repeatedsubculture is done on Blood agar, Nutrient agar, andMacConkey agar plates. Confirmation of organism is donethrough different biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibilitytesting was performed on Muller Hinton agar (MHA) by KirbyBauer disc diffusion method for bacterial isolates, as perclinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guideline.Results: Total 206 cases of suspected neonatal septicaemiawere investigated in which 142 cases are found positive. Mostcommon organism isolated was Klebsiella pneumoniae(39.44%) than Staphylococcus aureus (33.8%), otherorganisms are Escherichia coli (9.86%), CoNS (8.48%),Pseudomonas (5.63%), Enterococcus (2.82%) etc. overallincidence of Gram negative organism (54.93%) was more thanGram positive organism (45.07%). As far as antibioticsensitivity pattern was concerned most of the organism were100% sensitive to imipenem, meropenem and colistin B andresistant to Ampicillin.Conclusion: Gram negative isolates were more common thanGram positive as the causative agents of neonatal sepsis. Themost common causative organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae.The other organisms isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus, CoNS, etc. Most of the Gram negativeisolates were sensitive to Amikacin, Gentamycin, Ofloxacin andCiprofloxacin but were highly susceptible to Meropenem,Imipenem and Collistin-B. The Gram positive isolates werebetter sensitive to Amikacin, Cephalosporin, Ciprofloxacin andClindamycin but were less sensitive or resistant to Ampicillinand Erythromycin. They showed high susceptibility toTicoplanim, Linezolid, Vancomycin and Methicillin.

Duration of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes as Predictor of Histologic Chorioamnionitis and Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis: A cohort study

Background@#Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) has been associated with chorioamnionitis but studies are inconsistent on the relationship between PPROM latency and the risk of chorioamnionitis and early onset sepsis.@*Objective@#To define the association of PPROM latency and the risk of histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) and early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). @*Methodology@#A prospective cohort study was done at a public tertiary hospital on 569 mothers with spontaneous rupture of membranes and with fetuses EONS was defined using test of association and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. The association of HCA with maternal and neonatal characteristics as well as adverse neonatal outcomes were also determined. @*Results@#A total of 569 mothers with PPROM were included. Incidence of HCA and EONS were 13% and 24% respectively. PPROM latency was significantly associated with HCA and is a fair predictor of HCA (AUC = 0.7013; 76% accuracy at 31.5-hour cut-off) but failed as a predictor of EONS (AUC = 0.4799). PPROM, platelet count, CRP, and neutrophil count were ndependent predictors of HCA. HCA was associated with EONS and mortality. Mortality was higher in the presence of both HCA and EONS. @*Conclusion@#Longer PPROM is associated with HCA and is a fair predictor of HCA at a cut-off of 31.5 hours. PPROM fails as a predictor of EONS.

Diagnostic value of eosinopenia and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio on early onset neonatal sepsis / 소아과

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic value of eosinopenia and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the diagnosis of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Neonatology Ward of R.D. Kandou General Hospital Manado between July and October 2017. Samples were obtained from all neonates meeting the inclusion criteria for EONS. Data were encoded using logistic regression analysis, the point-biserial correlation coefficient, chi-square test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with a P value <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Of 120 neonates who met the inclusion criteria, 73 (60.8%) were males and 47 (39.2%) were females. Ninety (75%) were included in the sepsis group and 30 (25%) in the nonsepsis group. The mean eosinophil count in EONS and non-EONS groups was 169.8±197.1 cells/mm³ and 405.7±288.9 cells/mm³, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The diagnostic value of eosinopenia in the EONS group (cutoff point: 140 cells/mm³) showed 60.0% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity. The mean NLR in EONS and non-EONS groups was 2.82±2.29 and 0.82±0.32, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The diagnostic value of NLR in the EONS group (cutoff point, 1.24) showed 83.3% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: Eosinopenia has high specificity as a diagnostic marker for EONS and an increased NLR has high sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic marker for EONS.

Relationship between early-onset neonatal sepsis and the level of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein in umbilical cord serum of the newborns with premature rupture of membrane / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To study the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein(CRP) in umbilical cord serum of the newborns with premature rupture of membrane(PROM)and to explore the value of IL-6 and CRP in the diagnosis of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS).Method A total of 187 term newborns with PROM ＞ 12 h who were born normal vaginally in our Hospital from April 2015 to December 2015 were enrolled in this study as the PROM group and another 50 term infants without PROM and infection as the control group.The levels of IL-6 and CRP in umbilical cord serum were quantified by ELISA,the results of which were compared between groups.Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn to find out the cut-off value of IL-6 and CRP for the diagnosis of EONS.Result The levels of IL-6 and CRP in umbilical cord serum in the PROM group were significantly higher than those in the control group [IL-6 20.3 (9.5,35.8) pg/ml vs.9.3 (6.9,27.5) pg/ml,CRP 0.42 (0.25,0.78) mg/L vs.0.33 (0.18,0.45) mg/L,P ＜ 0.05].The levels of IL-6 and CRP in the newborns whose mother had chorioamnionitis were significantly higher than those in the newborns whose mother was without chorioamnionitis [IL-6 62.5 (35.2,92.7) pg/ml vs.10.8 (9.3,33.4) pg/ml,CRP 0.86 (0.44,1.95) mg/L vs.0.35 (0.20,0.62) mg/L,P ＜0.05].The levels of IL-6 and CRP in the infants with PROM≥18 h was significantly higher than those in the infants with PROM ＜ 18 h [IL-6 32.1 (9.9,42.2) pg/ml vs.10.7 (9.2,32.6) pg/ml,CRP 0.44(0.29,0.86) mg/L vs.0.35 (0.23,0.61) mg/L,P ＜ 0.05].The levels of IL-6 and CRP in the neonates with EONS was significantly higher than those in the neonates without EONS [IL-6 92.0 (58.3,161.0) pg/ml vs.20.0(9.4,35.2)pg/ml,CRP 1.94(0.47,2.73) mg/L vs.0.38(0.24,0.67) mg/L,P ＜ 0.05].ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off value of IL-6 and CRP for the diagnosis of EONS were 81.lpg/ml (sensitivity 76.5％,specificity 90.6％) and 1.88mg/L (sensitivity 64.7％,specificity 89.4％).With the combination of IL-6 and CRP levels,the sensitivity was 88.2％ and the specificity was 84.1％ for the diagnosis of EONS.Conclusion To measure the IL-6 and CRP levels in umbilical cord serum is helpful for the early diagnosis of EONS,and the combined detection of the 2 items may improve the sensitivity of diagnosis.

Research progress in diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis / 临床儿科杂志

Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) is one of the major causes of mortality in neonates, especially in very low birth weight infants. EONS has no speciifc manifestations, and progresses rapidly and unexpectedly. EONS is often missed diag-nosed or even misdiagnosed due to the absence of ideal diagnostic methods in current clinical practice, and this dilemma leads to the high mortality of EONS. Therefore the accurate diagnosis in the early stage of EONS is very important. This review describes the progress in diagnostic methods of EONS including culture, blood cell counts, molecular biological technique, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein measurements, cytokine proifling and some other novel means. It may provide useful information for early diagnosis of EONS.

Pulse Oximetry as a Screening Tool to Detect Hypoxia Associated with Early-onset Sepsis in Asymptomatic Newborns: A Feasibility Study in a Low-income Country.

Aims: i) To assess the feasibility of using pulse oximetry as a screening tool in lowincome countries to detect hypoxemia associated with early-onset sepsis in asymptomatic newborns. ii) To evaluate the acceptability of pulse oximetry screening to mothers and healthcare professionals. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Place and Duration of Study: Saint Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania between January and March 2013. Methodology: All eligible asymptomatic newborns of more than 33 weeks gestational age born during the study period were screened on two occasions using pulse oximetry. Newborns with oxygen saturations below predefined thresholds were test positive. We recorded the proportion of eligible newborns screened, time taken for the test and the acceptability of pulse oximetry use to mothers and healthcare professionals. The rates of hypoxaemia and clinical diagnosis of sepsis in asymptomatic newborns were evaluated. Results: A total of 316 asymptomatic newborns were screened, of which eighteen (5.7%) were classified as test positive. Clinical examination led to the diagnosis of sepsis in 41 newborns (13%), including eight newborns who tested positive with pulse oximetry screening. Mothers (n=50) and healthcare professionals (n=18) were predominantly satisfied with screening. Conclusion: It is feasible to evaluate the role of pulse oximetry as a screening tool to detect early-onset sepsis in a low-income setting. The test is acceptable to mothers and healthcare professionals. Further studies are needed to assess the accuracy of the test in detecting sepsis in asymptomatic newborns and its clinical impact on neonatal health.

Riesgo de sepsis neonatal temprana en recién nacidos de madre con corioamnionitis: Estudio de casos y controles / Early-onset neonatal sepsis in newborns to mother with chorioamnionitis: Case-controls study

Introducción: La corioamnionitis es común durante el embarazo y se asocia con diversas complicaciones perinatales; entre los problemas neonatales más frecuentes están: parto pretérmino, sepsis neonatal, enfermedad pulmonar crónica, lesión cerebral secundaria a infección y trastornos del desarrollo neurológico. Es necesario conocer el riesgo de sepsis neonatal temprana en recién nacidos hijos de madres con corioamnionitis, con la intención de plantear estrategias para su prevención y tratamiento. Objetivos: Determinar el grado de asociación entre la corioamnionitis materna y la aparición de sepsis neonatal temprana. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles donde se incluyeron 148 pacientes divididos en dos grupos: grupo I, los casos, hijos de madres con corioamnionitis (n = 74), y grupo II, control, neonatos sin antecedente de corioamnionitis materna (n = 74). Resultados: El grupo de madres con corioamnionitis tuvo menor control prenatal y sus recién nacidos, a pesar de haber recibido antibiótico profiláctico, tuvieron una mayor frecuencia de sepsis y problemas respiratorios. Conclusiones: Los hijos de madres con corioamnionitis tienen un incremento en el riesgo de presentar sepsis neonatal temprana.

Introduction: Chorioamnionitis is common during pregnancy and associated with several perinatal complications, including postpartum infection and sepsis. Among the most frequent neonatal complications associated to chorioamnionitis are: preterm delivery, neonatal sepsis, chronic lung disease, brain injury secondary to infection, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. It is necessary to know what the risk is of early-onset neonatal sepsis in newborns to mothers with chorioamnionitis. Objective: Determine whether maternal chorioamnionitis has an association with early-onset neonatal sepsis. Methods: We performed a case-control study, in which we included 148 patients divided in two groups: group I, cases (n = 74) and group II, controls (n = 74). The sample size was calculated through difference of proportions. Results: The group of mothers with chorioamnionitis had less prenatal care, and their newborns had a larger number of infections and respiratory problems despite the indication of prophylactic antibiotic schemes. Conclusions: Newborn infants to mother with chorioamnionitis have an increased risk of early neonatal sepsis, despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Relationship between Maternal Serum C-Reactive Protein, Funisitis and Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is of value in predicting funisitis and early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in women with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). This retrospective cohort study included 306 consecutive women with preterm labor or preterm PROM who delivered preterm singleton neonates (23-35 weeks gestation) within 72 hr of CRP measurement. The CRP level was measured with a highly sensitive immunoassay. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of an elevated serum CRP level (> or = 8 mg/L) were 74.1%, 67.5%, 32.8%, and 92.4% for funisitis, and 67.7%, 63.3%, 17.2%, and 94.6% for EONS, respectively. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that elevated levels of serum CRP were significantly associated with funisitis and EONS, even after adjusting gestational age. The maternal serum CRP level obtained up to 72 hr before delivery is an independent predictor of funisitis and EONS in women with preterm labor or preterm PROM. A low serum CRP level (< 8 mg/L) has good negative predictive value in excluding funisitis and EONS, and may therefore be used as a non-invasive adjunct to clinical judgment to identify low-risk patients.

Association between Ureaplasma urealyticum Colonization and Adverse Outcomes in Premature Infants

PURPOSE:Present evidences suggest that Ureaplasma urealyticum is a cause of pneumonia, septicemia, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely. The purpose of this work was to examine the relationship between Ureaplasma urealyticum in the tracheal aspirates and adverse outcomes, such as BPD and early onset neonatal sepsis in premature infants. METHODS:A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on tracheal aspirates collected within 24 hour after birth in 176 premature infants less than 35 weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Bundang CHA Hospital. RESULTS:U. urealyticum was detected in 37 of 176 preterm infants (21.0%). Gestational age (29+5+/-2+5 wk vs. 30+6+/-2+5 wk, P=0.013) and birth weight (1.39+/-0.44 kg vs. 1.59+/-0.55 kg, P=0.037) were lower in the U. urealyticum-positive group compared to the control group. The incidence of early onset neonatal sepsis (16.2% vs. 6.5%, P=0.045) and BPD (45.9% vs. 29.5%, P=0.047) was higher in the U. urealyticum-positive group compared to the control group, but the severity of BPD was not different between two groups. However, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of U. urealyticum was not independently related to the development of early onset neonatal sepsis and BPD. CONCLUSION:The results suggest that colonization of the lower respiratory tract by U. urealyticum might not be related to the development of neonatal sepsis and BPD directly in preterm infants.

Diagnosis of neonatal group B Streptococcus sepsis by nested-PCR of residual urine samples

Group B streptococcus (GBS) remains the most common cause of early-onset sepsis in newborns. Laboratory gold-standard, broth culture methods are highly specific, but lack sensitivity. The aim of this study was to validate a nested-PCR and to determine whether residue volumes of urine samples obtained by non invasive, non sterile methods could be used to confirm neonatal GBS sepsis. The nested-PCR was performed with primers of the major GBS surface antigen. Unavailability of biological samples to perform life supporting exams, as well as others to elucidate the etiology of infections is a frequent problem concerning newborn patients. Nevertheless, we decided to include cases according to strict criteria: newborns had to present with signs and symptoms compatible with GBS infection; at least one of the following biological samples had to be sent for culture: blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid; availability of residue volumes of the samples sent for cultures, or of others collected on the day of hospitalization, prior to antibiotic therapy prescription, to be analyzed by PCR; favorable outcome after GBS empiric treatment. In only one newborn GBS infection was confirmed by cultures, while infection was only presumptive in the other three patients (they fulfilled inclusion criteria but were GBS-culture negative). From a total of 12 biological samples (5 blood, 3 CSF and 4 urine specimen), eight were tested by culture methods (2/8 were positive), and 8 were tested by PCR (7/8 were positive), and only 4 samples were simultaneously tested by both methods (1 positive by culture and 3 by PCR). In conclusion, although based on a restricted number of neonates and samples, our results suggest that the proposed nested-PCR might be used to diagnose GBS sepsis as it has successfully amplified the three types of biological samples analyzed (blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid), and was more sensitive than culture methods as PCR in urine confirmed diagnosis...

O estreptococo do grupo B (GBS) constitui a causa mais freqüente de sepse neonatal precoce. O teste de referência continua sendo o isolamento em cultura, apesar de apresentar problemas de sensibilidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi validar uma técnica de dupla amplificação e determinar a possibilidade do uso de amostras residuais de urina colhidas por método não invasivo, não estéril, para a confirmação da sepse por GBS em recém-nascidos. As amostras foram amplificadas com primers do principal gene de superfície do GBS. A insuficiência de volume de material biológico para a realização de exames para suporte de vida, além de outros necessários à identificação do agente etiológico de infecções é muito freqüente em recém-nascidos. Mesmo assim, decidimos definir critérios bastante rigorosos para a inclusão de pacientes na casuística: os recém-nascidos deveriam apresentar sinais e sintomas compatíveis com infecção pelo GBS; deveriam ter tido ao menos uma amostra enviada para cultura, podendo ser sangue, urina ou líquor; disponibilidade de volumes residuais dessas amostras, ou de outras colhidas no dia da hospitalização, antes da introdução da antibioticoterapia, de forma a possibilitar a análise por PCR, e evolução favorável com a antibioticoterapia empírica. Em apenas um dos quatro recém-nascidos a infecção foi confirmada por cultura, enquanto nos outros três casos a infecção foi considerada presuntiva (pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão, mas o GBS não foi isolado). De um total de 12 amostras dos quatro pacientes (5 de sangue, 3 de líquor e 4 de urina), 8 foram testadas por cultura (2 foram positivas), 8 foram testadas por PCR (7 foram positivas), e apenas 4 pelos dois métodos simultaneamente (1 positiva por cultura e 3 por PCR). Concluímos que apesar do número restrito de pacientes e de amostras testadas, os resultados apresentados sugerem que a amplificação proposta poderia ser usada para o diagnóstico...

Fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de sepse neonatal precoce em hospital da rede pública do Brasil / Risk factors for early-onset neonatal sepsis in Brazilian public hospital short-title: early-onset neonatal sepsis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O conhecimento dos fatores de risco associados à sepse neonatal precoce em unidade de neonatologia, inserida na realidade de nosso sistema de saúde, no sentido de se detectar, prevenir e adotar medidas específicas e reduzir as taxas de mortalidade nessa faixa etária. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os fatores de risco associados a sepse neonatal precoce em hospital de referência em neonatologia ligado à rede pública de saúde. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, prospectivo, tipo caso-controle. Foram incluídos os recém-nascidos com diagnóstico de sepse precoce e como controle, recém-nascidos sem infecção neonatal nascido na mesma data do recém-nascido considerado como caso. Foram incluídos 50 casos e três controles para cada caso, resultando em amostra total de 200 pacientes. Foi considerada estatisticamente significativa a associação quando p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A freqüência de sepse neonatal precoce no período foi de 50,3 casos para 1000 nascidos vivos. As associações estatisticamente significativas entre os fatores de risco e o desenvolvimento de sepse neonatal precoce foram prematuridade (OR 9,33; p < 0,001), baixo peso ao nascimento (OR 11,74; p < 0,001), presença de infecção materna (OR 2,28; p = 0,009), filho anterior com infecção neonatal (OR 6,43; p = 0,035) e ruptura de membranas mais de 18 horas antes do nascimento (OR 9,33; p = 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A freqüência de sepse neonatal precoce foi elevada no período do estudo. A prematuridade, o baixo peso ao nascimento, a infecção materna e a ruptura prolongada de membranas são fatores de risco estatisticamente significativos para sepse neonatal precoce.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The determination of the risk factors to early-onset neonatal sepsis in our country is essential to prevent and reduce the mortality associated with this syndrome. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the frequency and associated risk factors to early-onset neonatal sepsis in public hospital in Southern Brazil. METHODS: Observational, case-control study. Were included neonates with diagnostic of early-onset neonatal sepsis and as controls, neonates without neonatal infection. Were included 50 cases and 3 controls for each case resulting in a total sample of 200 patients. Associations were considered significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: The sepsis frequency was 50.3 per 1000 born-alive. Risk factors associated to the development of neonatal sepsis were prematurity (OR 9.33; p < 0.001), low birth weight (OR 11.74; p < 0.001), maternal infection (OR 2.28; p = 0.009), mother with history of previous infant with neonatal sepsis (OR 6.43; p = 0.035) and rupture of the membranes more than 18 hours before delivery (OR 9.33; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal sepsis was very frequent in the study. Prematurity, low birth weight, maternal infection and motherÆs having had a previous infant with neonatal sepsis are risk factors for early-onset neonatal sepsis.