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Pediatric Neonatal Sepsis

Early recognition and bundled management of neonatal infection

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Pediatric Neonatal Sepsis?

Neonatal sepsis presents with non-specific signs (lethargy, feeding intolerance, temperature instability, respiratory distress) and progresses rapidly to shock and multiorgan failure if untreated, with mortality reaching 25% in low-resource settings.

Early-onset sepsis is typically vertically transmitted and dominated by Group B Streptococcus, E. coli, and Listeria; late-onset sepsis often involves coagulase-negative staphylococci, Klebsiella, and Candida in neonatal intensive care units.

Diagnosis combines clinical scoring (Kaiser sepsis calculator), blood culture, CBC with I:T ratio, CRP, procalcitonin, and lumbar puncture; treatment uses ampicillin plus gentamicin or cefotaxime as first-line empirical therapy.

Symptoms

Temperature instability
Poor feeding and lethargy
Respiratory distress
Apnea and bradycardia
Cyanosis or mottled skin

Risk Factors

Maternal Group B Strep colonization
Prolonged rupture of membranes
Chorioamnionitis
Prematurity
Indwelling vascular catheters

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any newborn with poor feeding
  • Temperature outside 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius
  • Respiratory distress or apnea
  • Skin discoloration
  • Decreased activity or seizures

Treatment Methods

01
Immediate blood culture and septic workup
02
Empirical ampicillin plus gentamicin
03
Cefotaxime if meningitis suspected
04
Fluid resuscitation and inotropes if shock
05
Mechanical ventilation if needed
06
Targeted therapy after culture results

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.