Faiza Abbas Ch, Nazia Mahmood, Sobia Naeem, Ayesha Arif.
Bacteria Causing Early Onset Sepsis in Neonates, Pediatric Department, Jinnah Hospital Lahore.
Pak Paed J Jan ;41(3):137-43.

Introduction: Sepsis is an important cause of mortality in neonates in first week of life. The pattern of etiological agents differs from place to place. Early diagnosis, good monitoring and prompt treatment result in good outcome. Objective: To identify the bacterial pathogens causing early onset sepsis in neonates in Pediatric Department Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Study Design: Hospital based cross-sectional study. Setting: Neonatal unit of Pediatric Department, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Duration Of Study: From 10th January 2007 to 10th January 2008 Sample Size: 100 neonates were included in the study. Method: 100 neonates selected by non probability sampling during first seven days of age were assessed for early onset sepsis. Maternal and neonatal risk factors were identified. Complete blood count, CRP and blood culture was done. Results: Out of 100 neonates, 62% were male and 38% females and majority of neonates (67%) were presented in first 24 hours of age. There were 47% preterm, 42% term and 11% post-term infants. Majority of neonates were delivered by normal vaginal delivery. Maternal PV leaking for more than 18 hours was seen in 39% of neonates. Majority (33%) had weight between 1-1.9 kg. moaning was main presenting symptom (54%) followed by reluctant to feed (41%) and hypothermia (38%). Blood culture was positive in 24% with E-coli being most common pathogen especially in preterm babies. Conclusions: Early onset sepsis is most frequent in neonates commonly caused by E-coli followed by Staph aureus with non-specific symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment may reduce mortality.

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