Bacterial septicemia in farwania neonatal unit - Kuwait

ABSTRACT

A retrospective study was done over a two year period as a part of continuous surveillance of neonatal septicemia in Farwania Regional Hospital. The aim of this study was to identify the causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities in order to implement an antibiotic regime suitable for affected neonates. The study identified 99 culture-verified septicemia episodes in 94 neonates representing an incidence of 6.8 per 1000 live births. Gram positive cocci namely Streptococcus viridans and group B Streptococcus presented as the commonest organisms in very early and early onset infections [51.2%]. Gram negative bacilli Kiebsiella pneumoniae [K. pneumoniae] and Escherichia coli [E. coli], were the major contributors to late onset sepsis [75%]. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern indicated limited resistance amongst the isolates in early infections making the use of simple broad spectrum antibiotics such as ampicillin and an aminoglycoside justifiable. Broader spectrum antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins or imipenem are needed for acquired gram negative nosocomial infections. Despite early therapeutic intervention, the overall mortality was 26.6%. Gram negative septicemia and very low birth weight were high risk factors associated with high fatality