Neonatal Septicemia Diagnosis-

Neonatal septicemia is a rare but serious complication of childbirth in which the newborn baby develops an infection that spreads through the bloodstream and into organs, such as the heart, brain, kidneys, liver or lungs. Neonatal septicemia can be diagnosed without resorting to invasive procedures or tests. It can be diagnosed by simply carrying out a thorough examination of the baby's skin coloration, breathing rate or heart rate.

At birth, the umbilical cord usually has erythematous and purplish spots on it that indicate an infection that is spreading through the bloodstream and into organs .The diagnosis of neonatal septicemia is carried out by a medical professional by carrying out a thorough examination and asking for information about the baby's symptoms. and history.

The diagnosis basis:

• A thorough examination of the baby's body, including skin and mucous membranes, head and neck, eyes, scalp hair and fingernails.
• An assessment of the baby's vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
• A review of the baby's medical history in relation to possible risk factors which could predispose to sepsis or septic shock such as premature birth or a congenital malformation.
• A review of likely sources of infection which could have led to sepsis in order to prioritize them in the management plan.

The following may be considered in a septic baby:Antibiotics for suspected infection, such as group B streptococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli.Blood cultures to detect sepsis-causing bacteria. Chest radiography to assess lung function and look for signs of aspiration pneumonia (pneumonia caused by inhaling food or vomit into lungs).

First Line of Treatment for Neonates with Severe Sepsis-

Neonates with severe sepsis have a high mortality rate and require the use of aggressive treatment. The first line of treatment for neonates with severe sepsis is to provide them with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, blood transfusions, and vasopressors.

Neonates are more likely to die from the complications of sepsis than from the infection itself. It is important that management plans are put in place as soon as possible to reduce the risk of death from sepsis.

Sepsis Risk Factors during Pregnancy-

• Age - Women over the age of 40 are at higher risk for developing sepsis than younger women.
• Obesity - Being overweight can increase your chances of developing sepsis by as much as fifty percent.
• Diabetes - People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop sepsis than those without it.
• Immunocompromised state - People with cancer and other immunocompromised states have an increased risk of developing sepsis.
• Complications during pregnancy - Complications such as placenta previa, premature delivery, and preeclampsia can increase your chances of developing sepsis while pregnant.
• Prolonged labor - Labor that lasts longer than 12 hours puts you at a higher risk of developing sepsis.- Infection
• Women with lacerations, burns, or open wounds on their skin are at increased risk for developing sepsis.
• Discharge from an intravenous catheter - If you've been receiving or recently received IV fluids through a catheter you are at a higher risk for developing sepsis.
• Mechanical ventilation - People who have been mechanically ventilated after discharge from an ICU are also at a higher risk for developing sepsis during their recovery period. - Preexisting conditions such as diabetes and obesity
• Recent trauma and surgery

Infants at Risk with Neonatal Sepsis-

Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection leads to multiple organ failure. Neonatal sepsis can be caused by a wide range of infections, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Most cases are caused by bacteria and occur in the first month of life.

Neonatal Sepsis is one of the most common causes of death in infants with an estimated rate of 4.5-6% per year worldwide. It is considered one of the leading causes of death in newborns with an estimated rate at 4-7% per year in developed countries, but it can kill up to 10% or more in developing countries without access to adequate medical care. Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection leads to multiple organ failure.

Infants at Risk with Neonatal Sepsis are those who have a high risk of developing sepsis. These risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, and illness or infection in the mother during pregnancy. The condition is preventable with proper care and attention from parents, doctors, nurses, midwives and other caregivers.

How to Lower your Baby's Risk for Neonatal Sepsis?

There should be a written plan for the prevention of sepsis in every hospital. It should include specific recommendations for the treatment of at-risk newborns and their parents. Newborns born to mothers who have recently been diagnosed with group B streptococcal infection should not be given routine IV antibiotics unless they are high risk because of a risk of early or late fetal death or stillbirth.