Research: Neonatal sepsis

on 16 December 2020

Shane AL, Sanchez PJ, Stoll BJ (2017). The Lancet, 390(10104), pp 1770-1780.

Neonatal sepsis is the cause of substantial morbidity and mortality with precise estimates of neonatal sepsis burden varying by setting. Differing estimates of disease burden have been reported from high-income countries compared with reports from low-income and middle-income countries, while clinical manifestations range from subclinical infection to severe manifestations of focal or systemic disease.

This paper by Shane, Sanchez and Stoll, discusses the epidemiology, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis. Its conclusion outlines the challenges faced:

‘As knowledge of the neonatal microbiome emerges, the importance of minimising antibiotic exposure to decrease necrotising enterocolitis, as well as other sequelae such as asthma, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders is paramount. Although prevention of neonatal infections is the ultimate goal, maintenance of a pathogen-limited neonatal environment for premature infants remains a challenge as long-term vascular access and respiratory support is needed. Monitoring and assessing long-term outcomes of neonatal sepsis as neonates age remains a notable health-care challenge’.

Access the full article here.