Late-onset neonatal infections: incidences and pathogens in the era of antenatal antibiotics.

UNLABELLED: Widespread use of intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis has significantly reduced the incidence of early-onset neonatal infection (EONI); however, little is known about the effects of increased maternal exposure to antibiotics on late-onset neonatal infection (LONI). This study aims to evaluate LONI epidemiology in our region after the application of French recommendations and to determine whether LONI-causing organisms and their antibiotic susceptibility are influenced by peripartum antibiotic exposure. We performed a prospective epidemiologic study of 139 confirmed and possible cases of bacterial LONI in patients treated with antibiotics for at least 5 days of the 22,458 infants born in our region in the year 2007. The overall incidence of LONI caused by all pathogens, Group B streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were 6.19, 0.36 and 2.72, respectively, per 1,000 live births. Our findings revealed three major types of LONI: E. coli-induced urinary tract infection (UTI) among term infants, coagulase negative Staphylococcus septicemia affecting preterm infants, and GBS infections with severe clinical presentation. Univariable analysis revealed that maternal antibiotic exposure was significantly associated with the risk of amoxicillin-resistant E. coli infection (p = 0.01). Postnatal antibiotic exposure was associated with an increased risk of E. coli LONI (p = 0.048). This link persisted upon multivariable analysis; however, no additional risk factors were identified for LONI caused by antibiotic-resistant E. coli. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that despite the benefits of antenatal antibiotics, this treatment can increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant cases of LONI. National and international surveillance of LONI epidemiology is essential to assess benefits and potential negative consequences of perinatal antibiotic exposure.

Incidence and distribution of pathogens in early-onset neonatal sepsis in the era of antenatal antibiotics.

In 2001 France issued a new set of guidelines for the use of antenatal antibiotics (AA). These guidelines recommended intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP) to prevent group B streptococcal (GBS) disease and AA to prolong pregnancy in the event of preterm premature rupture of membranes (AA for PPROM). This study aims to determine the effects of AA, recommended by national guidelines, on the incidence and distribution of pathogens in early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). We performed a population-based, prospective, observational study of level II and III perinatal centres throughout the region of Alsace, a northeastern area of France, between March 2004 and February 2005. The study population included all neonates with confirmed or probable EONS, who were treated with antibiotics for at least 5 days. We analysed exposure to AA, as well as clinical and microbiological data obtained from medical records. A total of 20 131 neonates were born during the study period, and 217 were included in the study. Of these, 24 subjects had confirmed sepsis, 140 had probable sepsis and 53 had possible EONS. The overall incidence of confirmed EONS was 1.19 per 1000 births. The infecting bacteria was GBS in 15 of 24 (62.5%) confirmed EONS cases (incidence: 0.75 per 1000 births) and in 81 of 140 (58%) probable sepsis cases. Escherichia coli was identified in 6 of 24 (25%) cases of confirmed EONS (incidence: 0.3 per 1000 births) and in 30 of 140 (21%) cases of clinical sepsis. Among E. coli infections (n= 36), amoxicillin resistance (n= 18) was statistically linked with AA use (P = 0.045). This link was significant in cases of PPROM (P = 0.015), but not when IAP was administered to prevent GBS disease (P = 0.264). IAP was not performed in 18 of 60 (30%) cases and 32 of 93 (34%) cases, despite positive screening or the presence of risk factors for EONS, respectively. Group B streptococcus remains the predominant pathogen in the era of AA. Aminopenicillin-resistant E. coli infections seem to be linked to prolonged AA in cases of PPROM and appear to preferentially affect preterm infants. Therefore, postnatal treatment strategies should consider this possible effect. Our data indicate that the current policy of GBS maternal prophylaxis is not associated with an excessive risk of pathogen resistance. Considering the high incidence of GBS EONS in our region, possible progress could result from better observance of guidelines. These results strengthen the need for continuation of surveillance.

Intramural bronchogenic cyst in the carina observed in a neonate and treated by needle aspiration: a case report.

We report the first case to be observed in a neonate of an intramural bronchogenic cyst in the carina. Considering the age of the infant, it was decided to administer curative treatment by needle aspiration. A rigid bronchoscopy was used. The outcome was favorable.