Rizwan Waseem, Azhar A Shah, Khan M Q, Waheed Qureshi.
Indicators of early outcome in Neonatal Sepsis.
Biomedica Jan ;21(2):117-20.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different parameters predicting outcome of neonatal sepsis. It was carried out at the neonatal unit of Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore from February 2004 to May 2005. This was an analytical comparative study performed prospectively. A total of 100 culture proven cases of neonatal sepsis were included. Complete data including birth weight and time interval between onset of symptoms and arrival at hospital was recorded. Complete blood counts and arterial blood gas analysis were performed in all cases. Overall mortality was 37%. Among the total of 100 cases 51% (n=51) were low birth weight (LBW) while 49% (n=49) were of normal birth weight, 40.7% (n=24) expired from LBW group, while 26.5% (n=13) from those with normal birth weight. Mortality was higher (P<0.05) in LBW babies. Among them 29.03% (n=18) expired from those who reached within 24 hrs of onset of symptoms (n=62) whereas 50% (n=19) expired from those who reached after 24 hrs (n=38). This difference was also significant (P<0.05). Hypothermia affected 39% of the cases. Mortality was significantly higher (P<0.05) in cases who developed hypothermia. Among laboratory parameters, leukopaenia, thrombocytopaenia, and acidosis were individually associated with high mortality (P<0.05), while leukocytosis was not significantly (P>0.05) associated with neonatal mortality. It was concluded that neonatal sepsis has high mortality. Some of the clinical and laboratory parameters are useful to recognize high-risk cases. Early referral can reduce mortality. Long-term follow-up of the survivors is indicated.

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