Evaluation and Management of Main Bacterial Infections in Premature Infants

ABSTRACT

Infection and sepsis in preterm infants are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Compared with full-term infants, preterm infants are more susceptible to infection owing to their distinct immune function, prolonged hospitalization, and higher likelihood of undergoing invasive procedures. Timely recognition and intervention are the key factors for good prognosis. This requires rapid and accurate diagnosis and empirical antibiotics against the pathogen based on each neonatal intensive care unit's epidemiology. Judicious anti biotics use is important following accurate identification of the causative pathogen. Simultaneous supportive management such as breast feeding should be encouraged to improve an infant’s defense mechanism. In essence, prevention is paramount because sepsis is known to contribute to significant neuro­developmental sequelae. Thorough understanding of immune function, good diagnostic protocol, appropriate antibiotics management, and strict preventive strategies may improve short- and long-term outcomes in premature infants.