Platelet count and its indices as diagnostic markers of neonatal sepsis: a cross-sectional study

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a critical condition posing a significant threat to newborns globally, particularly in developing countries. The non-specific symptoms and time-consuming traditional diagnostic methods highlight the need for rapid and reliable biomarkers. Recent studies suggest platelet count and indices such as mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) as potential indicators for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. This study aimed to assess the correlation between platelet count and its indices and neonatal sepsis.Methods: A hospital-based cross- sectional study was conducted at NICU of tertiary care hospital involving 80 neonates with suspected sepsis. Platelet count, PDW, and MPV were measured and correlated with neonatal sepsis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, with a significance set at p<0.05.Results: Of the 80 neonates studied, 22.5% exhibited thrombocytopenia. There was a noteworthy inverse relationship discovered between platelet count and sepsis, while MPV and PDW were higher. Gram-negative organisms were the most common cause of sepsis, out of which E. Coli (63.64%) was the most common.Conclusions: The study confirmed a significant association between platelet count and indices with neonatal sepsis. Platelet count, MPV, and PDW can serve as effective, rapid diagnostic markers, potentially improving early detection and outcomes in neonatal sepsis.

Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus causing late onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis: a case report

Streptococcus gallolyticus is a gram-positive microbe rarely isolated from cases of neonatal sepsis. Prompt identification, management and monitoring is necessary in such cases due to potential complications like meningitis and endocarditis. We report a preterm baby referred to us on day 18 of life with fever, respiratory distress and lethargy with seizure. Blood culture revealed S. gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus with meningitis on cerebrospinal fluid examination. He was treated with 21 days of injectable vancomycin and teicoplanin. Baby had no neurological sequelae or other end organ complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report from eastern India describing sepsis secondary to this rare organism.

Bacterial profiling, sensitivity and resistance pattern of neonatal sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital

Background: This study aimed to identify the distribution of pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in the neonates admitted to the NICU of a tertiary care hospital in northern India.Methods: After obtaining written informed consent, neonates with confirmed or suspected cases of neonatal sepsis (n=167) aged 0-28 days were included. As soon as the baby arrived, all the clothes were removed and kept in a pre-heated warmer. Before administering I/V antibiotics, all the routine and culture samples were taken. The clinical data were collected and analysed using SPSS.Results: Most of the neonates were from lower middle class, out-born, LSCS, early preterm, and low birth weight (LBW). 167 neonates had culture-confirmed infections [blood culture positive (13.8%) and sepsis screen positive (86.2%)]. Gastric aspirate cytology was positive in 61.7% of patients. Maximum cytology-positive cases were seen in neonates with EOS. The most common risk factors were birth asphyxia. 142 individuals were discharged, with 72.5% diagnosed with EOS and 89% with LOS. There was a significant difference in gastric aspirate cytology when associated with expiry and discharge. Out of 167 neonates, 13.77% were culture-positive for neonatal sepsis. Out of 23 organisms, 82.6% were resistant, while, 17.4% were not. Staph aureus was the major causative organisms. Among the Gram Positive and Negative bacteria, the highest sensitivity was observed for imipenum. All gram-positive bacteria were resistant to cotrimazole, tobramycin, and erythromycin.Conclusions: Implementation of effective preventive strategies to combat the emergence of antibiotic resistance is urgently needed.

High diversity in the vaginal microbiome in women following preterm premature rupture of membranes and its effect on fetomaternal outcome

Background: Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) complicates 3% of pregnancies and its associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Methods: This was a case control study conducted over a period of two years. Our aim was to evaluate the bacterial colonization of genital tract of antenatal patients who presented with preterm premature rupture of membranes and their maternal and neonatal complications. We studied 6023 patients during our study period among which 156 patients presented with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Results: PPROM was found more commonly among age 25-30 years (46.79%) with p<0.001. Out of 156 pregnant women with PPROM, only 16 patients (10.26%) developed clinical chorioamnionitis. We observed that 43.59% patients (n=68) with PPROM underwent LSCS which was significantly higher than control group (19.93%). Among them 81.41% (n=127) of the patients delivered within 24 hours of admission. Among 156 patients, 94 (59.12%) mothers had babies with birth weight ranging between 1.5-2.5 kg as compared to control group where 30.51% mothers had low birth weight babies. The difference was statistically significant. Approximately 18.24% babies developed respiratory distress syndrome requiring ICU care in study group as compared to 3.03% in control group and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: It is important to diagnose the PPROM early and manage the patient until delivery for better outcome. Timely intervention after proper analysis of risk and benefit of early termination helps in reducing adverse perinatal outcomes, reduced NICU admissions and unnecessary interventions for neonates.

Hydroxynonenal alleviates neonatal sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting endothelial cell pyrosis / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the role of 4-hydroxynonenal(HNE)in alleviating acute lung injury(ALI)induced by neonatal sepsis by inhibiting the focal death of endothelial cells(ECs).Methods Newborn mice were randomly divided into five groups:(1)Sham operation group(Sham group),(2)sham operation mice receiving HNE treatment group(Sham + HNE group),(3)cecal serosity(CS group),and(4)CS-treated GS-DMD-/-mice group(CS + GSDMD-/-group).The degree of lung injury was evaluated by lung histopathology and lung wet/dry weight ratio.The ECs of mice were isolated and divided into the Ctrl group,LPS + ATP group,LPS + ATP + HNE-L group and LPS + ATP + HNE-H group.Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of HNE and caspase-1 pathway.Results Compared with CS group,the lung tissue scores of CS + HNE group and CS + GSDMD-/-group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the ratio of wet to dry weight of lung tissues was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the CS group,the 72-hour survival rates of mice in the CS + HNE group and CS + GSDMD-/-group were significantly improved(P<0.05).The expressions of GSDMD-N,C-caspase-1,NLRP3,IL-18 and IL-1β in lung ECs of the CS + HNE group and CS + GSDMD-/-group were signifi-cantly lower than those of the CS group(P<005).Compared with the Ctrl cells,LPS + ATP significantly decreased the cell viability(P<0.05)and increased the protein expressions of GSDMD,C-caspase-1,NLRP3,IL-18 and IL-1β(P<0.05),and these effects were also inhibited by HNE.Conclusion HNE can inhibit the focal death of lung ECs cells by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1 signal transduction,and improve ALI in septic mice.

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.

Prevalence of early neonatal sepsis and positive maternal culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis in pregnant women with a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus in a middle-income city in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving singleton low- and high-risk pregnancies in whom group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures were evaluated between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation using vaginal and anal swabs. A specific medium (Todd-Hewitt) was used for culturing. The pregnant women were divided into two groups based on positive (n==201) and negative (n==420) cultures for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. RESULTS: The maternal colonization rate by group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was 32.3%. The prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was 1.0% (2/201) among patients with a positive group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus culture and 1.9% (8/420) among patients with a negative culture. Among the patients who underwent adequate prophylaxis, crystalline penicillin G was used in 51.9% (54/104), followed by cefazolin in 43.3% (45/104), ampicillin in 3.8% (4/104), and clindamycin in 1.0% (1/104). A model that included prematurity (p==0.001) proved to be an independent risk predictor of early neonatal sepsis [χ2 (1)==15.0, odds ratio: 16.9, 95% confidence interval: 4.7-61.6, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2==0.157]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was high. However, the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was low in pregnant women with both positive and negative group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures and in pregnant women with a positive culture who underwent both adequate and inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Prematurity proved to be an independent predictor of early neonatal sepsis, considering the entire study population.

Early-onset neonatal sepsis as a risk factor for peri-intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants / Sepse precoce como fator de risco para hemorragia peri-intraventricular em prematuros

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess early-onset sepsis as a risk factor of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants born at less than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation and admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included premature patients born at less than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation who were admitted to the NICU of a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil, and born from January 2017 to July 2021. Data were collected from patients' medical records. Early-onset sepsis was measured according to the presence or absence of diagnosis within the first 72 hours of life, whereas the outcome, peri-intraventricular hemorrhage, was described as the presence or absence of hemorrhage, regardless of its grade. Results: Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox regression models. A total of 487 patients were included in the study, of which 169 (34.7%) had some degree of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage. Early-onset sepsis was present in 41.6% of the cases of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage, which revealed a significant association between these variables, with increased risk of the outcome in the presence of sepsis. In the final multivariate model, the hazard ratio for early-onset sepsis was 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.01-2.27). Conclusion: Early-onset sepsis and the use of surfactants showed to increase the occurrence of the outcome in premature children born at less than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation. Meanwhile, factors such as antenatal corticosteroids and gestational age closer to 34 weeks' gestations were found to reduce the risk of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a sepse precoce como fator de risco para hemorragia peri-intraventricular (HPIV) em prematuros com 34 semanas ou menos, admitidos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) Neonatal. Métodos: Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluiu pacientes prematuros com 34 semanas ou menos, que receberam alta da UTI Neonatal de hospital terciário, no sul do Brasil, nascidos no período de janeiro de 2017 a julho de 2021. Os dados foram coletados por meio dos prontuários desses pacientes. A sepse precoce foi mensurada conforme a presença ou a ausência do diagnóstico nas primeiras 72 horas de vida. Já o desfecho, hemorragia peri-intraventricular, foi descrito conforme a presença ou ausência da hemorragia, independentemente do grau. Resultados: Hazard ratios (HR) foram calculados por meio de modelos de regressão de Cox. Foram incluídos no estudo 487 pacientes. Destes, 169 (34,7%) apresentaram algum grau de hemorragia peri-intraventricular. A sepse precoce esteve presente em 41,6% dos casos de hemorragia peri-intraventricular e apresentou associação significativa, elevando o risco do desfecho quando presente. No modelo multivariável final, o HR para a sepse precoce foi de 1,52 (intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% 1,01-2,27). Conclusão: Sepse precoce e uso de surfactante demonstraram aumentar a ocorrência do desfecho em crianças prematuras até 34 semanas, enquanto fatores como corticoide antenatal e idades gestacionais mais próximas a 34 semanas mostraram reduzir o risco de ocorrência hemorragia peri-intraventricular.

Skin-to-skin contact and late-onset sepsis in newborns weighing up to 1.800g: a cohort study / Contato pele a pele e sepse tardia em recém-nascidos com peso até 1.800g: estudo de coorte

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the association between the time to initiate the first skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and the daily practice time with the rates of late-onset sepsis in newborns ≤1,800g. Methods: a multicentric cohort study was carried out at the neonatal units located in three Brazilian geographic regions. The SSC time was recorded in individual files by the hospital staff and the newborn's parents. Maternal and neonatal data were obtained from medical records and through questionnaires applied to the mothers. Data analysis was carried out using a tree algorithm classification, which divided the data set into mutually exclusive subsets that best described the variable response. Results: 405 newborns participated in the study, with an average of 31.3 ± 2.7 weeks and 1,412g (QR=1,164-1,605g) as a median birth weight. The first SSC was carried out within 137 hours of life (≤5.7 days) was associated with a lower rate of late sepsis (p=0.02) for newborns who underwent daily SSC of 112.5 to 174.7 min/day (1.9 to 2.9h/day), with a reduction in the sepsis rate from 39.3% to 27.5%. Furthermore, the duration of SSC >174.7min/day (>2.9h/day) was relevant (p<0.001) for newborns who weighed >1,344g, with a reduction in this rate from 24.1% to 6%. Conclusions: SSP has been proven to be significant in reducing late-onset sepsis rates in preterm newborns, especially when carried out in a timely manner (≤5.7 days) and prolonged (>2.9h/day).

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a associação entre o tempo para iniciar o primeiro contato pele a pele (CPP) e o tempo diário praticado com a taxa de sepse tardia em recém-nascidos ≤1.800g. Métodos: coorte multicêntrica realizada em unidades neonatais de três regiões geográficas brasileiras. O CPP foi registrado em ficha individual pela equipe e pais do recém-nascido. Dados maternos e neonatais foram obtidos por questionários aplicados às mães e em prontuários médicos. A análise dos dados foi realizada por algoritmo da árvore de classificação, que dividiu o conjunto de dados em subconjuntos mutuamente exclusivos que melhor descreveram a variável resposta. Resultados: 405 recém-nascidos participaram do estudo, com média de 31,3±2,7 semanas de idade gestacional e mediana de peso ao nascer 1.412g (IQ=1.164-1.605g). Realizar o primeiro CPP com até 137h de vida (≤5,7 dias) foi associado a menor taxa de sepse tardia (p=0,02) para recém-nascidos que fizeram CPP diário de 112,5 a 174,7 min/dia (1,9 a 2,9h/dia), com redução na taxa de sepse (39,3% para 27,5%). Além disso, a duração do CPP>174,7min/dia (>2,9h/dia) foi relevante (p<0,001) para os recém-nascidos >1.344g, com redução nesse desfecho (21,1% para 6%). Conclusões: o CPP mostrou-se importante para redução das taxas de sepse tardia em recém-nascidos pré-termo, especialmente quando realizado de forma oportuna (≤5,7 dias) e prolongada (>2,9h/dia).

A practical predictive model to predict 30-day mortality in neonatal sepsis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Neonatal sepsis is a serious disease that needs timely and immediate medical attention. So far, there is no specific prognostic biomarkers or model for dependable predict outcomes in neonatal sepsis. The aim of this study was to establish a predictive model based on readily available laboratory data to assess 30-day mortality in neonatal sepsis. METHODS: Neonates with sepsis were recruited between January 2019 and December 2022. The admission information was obtained from the medical record retrospectively. Univariate or multivariate analysis was utilized to identify independent risk factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to check the performance of the predictive model. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients were recruited. There was a big difference between the two groups in the levels of hemoglobin and prothrombin time. Multivariate analysis confirmed that hemoglobin>133 g/L (hazard ratio: 0.351, p=0.042) and prothrombin time >16.6 s (hazard ratio: 4.140, p=0.005) were independent risk markers of 30-day mortality. Based on these results, a predictive model with the highest area under the curve (0.756) was built. CONCLUSION: We established a predictive model that can objectively and accurately predict individualized risk of 30-day mortality. The predictive model should help clinicians to improve individual treatment, make clinical decisions, and guide follow-up management strategies.

Antibacterial activity of Nocardia spp. and Streptomyces sp. on multidrug-resistant pathogens causing neonatal sepsis

ABSTRACT Neonatal sepsis leads to severe morbidity and occasionally death among neonates within the first week following birth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Empirical therapy includes antibiotics recommended by WHO. However, these have been ineffective against antimicrobial multidrug-resistant bacterial strains such as Klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus species. To counter this problem, new molecules and alternative sources of compounds with antibacterial activity are sought as options. Actinobacteria, particularly pathogenic strains, have revealed a biotechnological potential still underexplored. This study aimed to determine the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters and the antimicrobial activity of actinobacterial strains isolated from clinical cases against multidrug-resistant bacteria implicated in neonatal sepsis. In total, 15 strains isolated from clinical cases of actinomycetoma were used. PCR screening for the PKS-I, PKS-II, NRPS-I, and NRPS-II biosynthetic systems determined their secondary metabolite-producing potential. The strains were subsequently assayed for antimicrobial activity by the perpendicular cross streak method against Escherichia fergusonii Sec 23, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae H1064, Klebsiella variicola H776, Klebsiella oxytoca H793, and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae H7595, previously classified as multidrug-resistant. Finally, the strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. It was found that 100% of the actinobacteria had biosynthetic systems. The most frequent biosynthetic system was NRPS-I (100%), and the most frequent combination was NRPS-I and PKS-II (27%). All 15 strains showed antimicrobial activity. The strain with the highest antimicrobial activity was Streptomyces albus 94.1572, as it inhibited the growth of the five multidrug-resistant bacteria evaluated.

Evaluation of haematological scoring system as a screening tool for early detection of neonatal sepsis

Background: Early diagnosis of neonatal septicemia is a vexing problem because of its nonspecific clinical picture. Hence the timely diagnosis of sepsis in neonates is critical as the illness can be rapidly progressive and, in some instances, fatal. The current study was undertaken to assess the significance of the hematological scoring system (HSS) for early detection of neonatal sepsis. Objectives were to assess the effectiveness of HSS in early detection of neonatal sepsis by comparing it with blood culture result, in neonates who were clinically suspected to have bacterial infectionMethods: This is a descriptive study done in TDMCH, Vandanam for a period of 1 year. All babies who were at risk of developing sepsis were studied after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected and subjected to sepsis work up. HSS scoring was done. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), Negative predictive value (NPV) of HSS and each of its components were calculated.Results: Among the 85 neonates studied, 39 (45.9%) were blood culture positive, 42 (49.4%) had HSS score of 5 or more. HSS score had sensitivity of 92.31%, specificity of 86.96%, PPV of 85.71% and NPV of 93.02%.Conclusions: HSS score of ?5 had high NPV and would play a major role in ruling out neonatal sepsis.

Base excess as a predictor of neonatal mortality in neonatal sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis is responsible for approximately 15% of all neonatal deaths in the world. Despite of availability in advanced medical healthcare facilities for mother and neonates, incidence of mortality secondary to sepsis especially in developing countries like India is more common. Metabolic acidosis is the most common form of acid base imbalance in neonatal sepsis which can be analyzed with increased levels of base excess. Hence early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis can be done by determining base excess.Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in NICU at Cheluvamba Hospital, Mysore. 73 term neonates with suspected sepsis were enrolled in the study who were on regular follow-up and treatment till death/discharged from NICU. Base excess value is obtained from the arterial blood gas analysis from each subject and it was compared with survivor and non-survivor group along with other study parameterResults: Out of 73 subjects, incidence of non survivors group with severe increase in base excess is 75%. To predict the mortality, we compared it with standard base excess which showed the prediction of more than 60%, with significant AOC (0.827) of very near to one in ROC curve, with statistically significant (p<0.001) sensitivity of 92.59%, specificity of 63.04%, positive predictive value of 59.5%, negative predictive value of 93.5%.Conclusions: In present study we have proved that base excess is an important parameter for the early diagnosis and for early intervention in neonatal sepsis.

Determinants of cord care practices among caregivers in a level 5 facility in Kenya

Background: Globally, in the year 2020, 2.4 million children died with the likelihood of a child in Sub-Saharan Africa to die in their first month after birth being ten times higher compared to that in developed countries. Infection is a leading cause of mortality among infants with a significant number being attributed to umbilical cord infections. The aim of the study was to assess cord care practices and the associated factors among mothers and care givers at the Mombasa County referral hospital in Kenya. Methods: This was a facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the maternal child health/family planning clinic at a level 5 public health facility in Mombasa County, Kenya. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The association of the dependent and independent variables was assessed using Pearson Chi-square statistics. A p<0.05 was considered significant at 95% CI. Results: Slightly below half (43.6%) of the respondents had practiced inappropriate cord care. Inappropriate cord care practices reported included the use of breast milk (24.3%), herbal substances (17.8%), warm salty water (16.4%), saliva (15.1%), soot (11.2%), black soil (7.9%) and coconut oil (7.2%). Socio-cultural beliefs regarding cord care were prevalent among the respondents. Socio-demographic characteristics, facility-related factors, and socio-cultural factors were associated with cord care practices (p<0.05). Conclusions: There is a need to enhance health education regarding cord care among women in the health facilities and community. Strategies to enhance scale- up of chlorhexidine use should be explored.

Prevalencia de colonización rectovaginal por Streptococcus agalactiae en mujeres gestantes atendidas en un hospital de segundo nivel en Honduras

Introducción. Streptococcus agalactiae, conocido actualmente como estreptococo del grupo B (EGB), es el principal microorganismo que coloniza el tracto genitourinario en pacientes gestantes, llegando a causar consecuencias graves en el neonato, como sepsis neonatal, neumonía y meningitis. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de EGB en mujeres gestantes del Hospital Nacional Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas, en Honduras. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal. Se utilizó un muestreo por conveniencia, se enroló un total de 143 gestantes entre las 34 y 40 semanas de gestación atendidas en el servicio de ginecología y obstetricia del Hospital Nacional Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas, durante enero de 2020 a junio del 2021. Los cultivos se prepararon de acuerdo con la metodología recomendada por los Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, agregándose el agar chromID Strepto B. Se empleó estadística descriptiva para el análisis. Resultados. La edad promedio de las gestantes fue 26 ± 7,4 años. La prevalencia de EGB en la población fue del 3,5%, encontrando 5 casos positivos. Conclusión. La prevalencia de colonización por EGB en mujeres embarazadas es variable y puede no estar asociada a factores de riesgo para ser colonizada, resultando en complicaciones sanitarias neonatales y maternas. Ello pone de manifiesto la necesidad de búsqueda activa de estreptococos del grupo B en las gestantes.

Introduction: Streptococcus agalactiae, currently known as group B streptococcus (GBS) is the main microorganism that colonizes the genitourinary tract in pregnant women, causing serious consequences in the neonate, such as neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Objective: To determine the prevalence of GBS in pregnant women at the Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas National Hospital in Honduras. Materials and methods: Descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study. A total of 143 pregnant women between 34-40 weeks of gestation attended at the gynecology and obstetrics service of the Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas National Hospital in Honduras from January 2020 to June 2021 were enrolled. Cultures were developed following the methodology recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Strepto B chromID agar was added. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women was 26 ± 7.4 years. The prevalence of GBS in the study population was 3.5%, with 5 positive cases. Conclusion: The prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant women is variable and may not be associated with risk factors for colonization, resulting in neonatal and maternal health complications. This highlights the need for active search for group B Streptococcus in pregnant women.

Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin as a marker of neonatal sepsis

Background: Sepsis is defined as “life-threatening organ dysfunction, caused by a dysregulated host response to infection”. Neonatal sepsis is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is difficult. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective to assess the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin as marker of neonatal sepsis and its comparison with C-reactive protein.Methods: The present study was a hospital-based descriptive comparative study. A total of 59 neonates were enrolled. All suspected neonates for the sepsis admitted to NICU were enrolled in study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed clinical examination was done. Blood sample was collected for procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and blood culture. Statistical analysis was performed.Results: In our study diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was sensitivity (88.46%), specificity (87.88%), positive predictive value (85.19%), negative predictive value (90.63%) and diagnostic accuracy (88.14%). Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was sensitivity (88.46%), specificity (69.70%), positive predictive value (69.70%), negative predictive value (88.46%) and diagnostic accuracy (77.97%). Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin is maximum followed by C-reactive protein.Conclusions: In our study all patient with gram negative organism were procalcitonin positive whereas 50% Staphylococcus aureus were procalcitonin positive and in candida positive cases out of 6 cases, 5 (83.3%) were procalcitonin positive.

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.

Risk factors of acute kidney injury in very low birth weight infants in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the neonatal period is associated with worst outcomes as increased mortality and increased length of hospital stay. Very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns are at higher risk for developing several other conditions that are associated with worst outcomes. Understanding the risk factors for AKI may help to prevent this condition and improve neonatal care for this population. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 155 very low birth weight newborns admitted between 2015 and 2017. The authors compared the newborns who developed neonatal AKI with the non-AKI group and analyzed the main risk factors for developing AKI in the population. The authors also performed an analysis of the main outcomes defined as the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and death. Results From the cohort, a total of 61 (39.4%) patients had AKI. The main risk factors associated with Neonatal AKI were necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR 7.61 [1.69 - 34.37]; p = 0.008), neonatal sepsis (aOR 2.91 [1.17 - 7.24], p = 0.021), and hemodynamic instability (aOR 2.99 [1.35 - 6.64]; p = 0.007). Neonatal AKI was also associated with an increase in the duration of mechanical ventilation in 9.4 days (p = 0.026) and in an increase in mortality 4 times (p = 0.009), after adjusting for the other variables. Conclusion The present results highlight the importance of minimizing sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, as well as the importance of identifying hemodynamic instability, to prevent AKI and diminish the burden of morbimortality in VLBW newborns.

Target product profiles for diagnosis of sepsis: Proposing a new approach for diagnostic innovation

Background & objectives: Sepsis, including neonatal sepsis, remains a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries such as India, representing 85 per cent of all sepsis-related deaths globally. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment is challenging due to non-specific clinical manifestations and non-availability of rapid diagnostic tests. There is an urgent need for affordable diagnostics with fast turnaround time catering to the needs of end-users. Target product profiles (TPPs) have been found instrumental in developing ‘fit-for-use’ diagnostics, thus reducing the time taken to facilitate development and improving diagnosis. Hitherto, no such guidance or criteria has been defined for rapid diagnostics for sepsis/neonatal sepsis. We propose an innovative approach for developing the diagnostics for sepsis screening and diagnosis which can be utilized by diagnostic developers in the country. Methods: Three-round Delphi method, including two online surveys and one virtual consultation, was adopted to define criteria for minimum and optimum attributes of TPPs and build consensus on characteristics. Expert panel (n=23) included infectious disease physicians, public health specialists, clinical microbiologists, virologists, researchers/scientists and technology experts/innovators. Results: We present a three-component product profile for sepsis diagnosis, (i) screening with high sensitivity, (ii) detection of aetiological agent, and (iii) profiling of antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance, in adults and neonates with an option of testing different considerations. An agreement of >75 per cent was achieved for all TPP characteristics by Delphi. These TPPs are tailored to the Indian healthcare settings and can also be extrapolated to other resource-constraint and high-disease burden settings.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of neonatal septicaemia-a prospective study

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the major cause of mortality and morbidity Globally, objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the microorganisms profile involved in neonatal septicemia and their antibiotic susceptibility.Methods: This prospective study conducted in neonate admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College and Hospital Aurangabad Maharashtra in NICU, from June 2021 to May 31, 2022. Data was analysed by percentages of each antibiotic used. And which organism was responsible for neonatal sepsis.Results: In this study we have found that high bacterial prevalence of Klebsiella at 36%, Enterococci at 23.5 and staph aureus at 19.8% in neonatal sepsis. While the antibiotics most used was Piperacillin and tazobactam, meropenam, colistin, cefotaxime, amikacin. In our setting we found that bacteria are still sensitive to third generation cephlosporings.Conclusions: From our study we can conclude that, in our tertiary care hospital Klebsiella is major cause of neonatal sepsis, along with-it sensitivity with effectiveness of cephalosporin.