children s health issues
Sepsis in Newborns
Early onset sepsis
Newborns can develop early-onset sepsis if they are exposed to certain kinds of bacteria during birth. Risk factors for early-onset sepsis include the following: Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes (PROM) that surround the fetus Infection in the mother (such as Intraamniotic Infection ) Presence of group B Streptococcal Infections (GBS) in the mother Preterm (Premature) Newborns of the fetus The risk of sepsis is greater if the fluid-filled membranes that surround the fetus rupture more than 18 hours before birth or if the mother has an infection (particularly of the urinary tract or lining of the uterus). The most common types of bacteria causing sepsis in the newborn around the time of birth areEscherichia coliand GBS, which are usually acquired during passage through the birth canal. Sepsis caused by GBS was the leading cause of early-onset sepsis until about a decade ago when screening of all expectant mothers for GBS became a routine part of prenatal care. If screening reveals GBS or if the mother previously gave birth to a newborn who had a GBS infection, the mother is given antibiotics when she goes into labor. Although the newborn may require additional monitoring in the hospital and possibly blood tests to check for infection, newborns are given antibiotics only if they have symptoms or signs of infection. 