children s health issues
Sepsis in Newborns
Late onset sepsis
Newborns can develop late-onset sepsis if they are exposed to certain kinds of bacteria in the hospital. Important risk factors for late-onset sepsis include the following: Preterm (Premature) Newborns None Prolonged use of catheters in arteries, veins, and/or bladder Antibiotic use in the newborn Use of a breathing tube inserted through the newborn's nose or mouth (endotracheal tube) and attached to a machine that helps air get in and out of the lungs ( Mechanical Ventilation ) to help support breathing Prolonged hospitalization Sepsis that occurs later is more likely to be acquired from organisms in the newborn's environment, including through or around catheters (a tube doctors use to get fluids or medications into the newborn's bloodstream, such as an IV, or a tube used to drain urine from the newborn's bladder) and other medical equipment, rather than organisms acquired from the birth canal. The use of certain antibiotics can allow certain organisms such as the fungusCandidato cause infections in the newborn. 