Neonatal SepsisDefinitionNeonatal sepsis is a bacterial infection in the blood. It is found in infants during the first month of life. This may become a serious condition. Spread of InfectionCauses1. Baby exposed to bacteria.2. Early onset sepsis-- develops within the first week is from the mother (via the placenta or from passing through the birth canal).3. Late onset sepsis that develops after one week is from the care giving environment. 1. Baby is born more than three weeks before due date (premature)2. Going into labor more than three weeks before due date3. Baby is in distress before being born4. Baby has a very low birth weight5. Baby has a bowel movement before being born, and fetal stool is in the uterus6. Amniotic fluid surrounding the baby has a bad smell, or the baby has a bad smell right after being bornSymptoms In almost all cases, symptoms present within 48 hours of birth.1. Fever or frequent changes in temperature2. Poor feeding from breast or bottle3. Decreased or absent urination4. Bloated abdomen5. Vomiting yellowish contents6. Diarrhea7. Extreme redness around the umblicus8. Skin rashes9. High or low blood sugar10. Difficulty waking the baby or unusual sleepiness11. Jaundicedor overly pale skin12. Abnormally slow or fast heartbeat13. Breathing rapidly, difficulty breathing, or periods of no breathing (apnea)14. Bruising or bleeding15. Seizures16. Cool, clammy skinDiagnosisTests may include the following: Complete blood count Cultures of: Blood Urine Cerebrospinal fluid Skin lesions X-raysof thechestor abdomenTreatmentTreatment depends on severity Treatment may last 2-21 days. hospitalized for at least two days to wait for culture results.Monitor the baby without antibiotics. The neonate is sent home when cultures are negative. Culture-proven sepsis is treated for 7-21 days, depending on the location of the infection.Treatment options include:1. AntibioticsAntibiotic medication may have to be given intravenously (IV).2. Intravenous FluidsThe baby may need to receive fluids, glucose, and electrolytes through an IV.3. Oxygen Oxygeninhalation PreventionWhat steps you will take to prevent neonatal sepsis1. The best way of preventing infection is to deliver a baby at the health facility using clean and sterile instruments by skilled personnel. 2. Breastfeeding may also help prevent sepsis in some infants.3. Avoid overcrowding at home and keep normal newborns with their mothers whenever possible. Do not separate mothers and their newborns unless absolutely necessary.4. Encourage breastfeeding. Breast milk contains antibodies, which help to protect the newborn from infections.5. Try to convince the mother not to wash the baby for the first 24 hours after birth. Vernix (the curd or cheese-like secretion covering the newborns skin) has antibacterial properties and should be left to be absorbed by the babys skin.6. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before handling newborns. Hand washing is probably the most important method of preventing the spread of infection.7. Help the mother with her personal hygiene and cleanliness and try and ensure that the room where mother and baby live is clean.8. Always use sterile and clean instruments to cut the umbilical cord, and keep the stump clean and dry. Clean all instruments used for maternal and newborn care with alcohol before every examination.9. Remember that routine prophylactic(Preventive) eye care immediately after delivery with antibiotic ointment (tetracycline) prevents eye infection, but you should use it only once.10. Don't forget immunization: all pregnant women should be vaccinated with at least two doses (and preferably up to five doses) of tetanus toxoid to prevent neonatal tetanus.