Neonatal Pneumonia

last authored: April 2012, David LaPierre
last reviewed:

 

 

Introduction

Neonatal pneumonia is one of the most significant causes of neonatal mortality worldwide, with 264,000-545,000 neonatal deaths annually (Nissen, 2007).

 

This topic will describe the pathogens, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of this important disease.

 

Courtesy of Global Health Media Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Case of Baby Stephen

Baby Stephen is a 7 day-old boy who comes back to the hospital because he is feeding poorly and having difficulty 'catching his breath'. A quick glance shows he is in respiratory distress.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Bacteria

Viruses

Other

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Pathophysiology

The respiratory tract can be infected in utero, during labour and delivery through the birth canal, or thereafter. During prolonged or difficult deliveries, decreased oxygen supply can lead to respiratory efforts and aspiration of vernix, meconium, or vaginal canal tissues may occur. Bacteria may accompany aspirate.

Infections of infants no more than a few days old are usually related to respiratory infection.

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Signs and Symptoms

  • history
  • physical exam

History

Early symptoms can be nonspecific, and include:

  • poor feeding
  • lethargy
  • irritability
  • general sense that the infant is unwell

Maternal factors to assess include:

  • GBS status
  • fever or other signs of infection preceding or during labour
  • prolonged rupture of membranes
  • HIV status

Physical Exam

Exam may reveal:

  • tachypnea
  • tachycardia
  • fever, or hypothermia
  • grunting
  • chest retractions
  • nasal flaring
  • cyanosis
  • increased need for ventilator support, if already receiving

Changes in breath sounds, dullness on percussion, and rales or ronchi can be very difficult to appreciate.

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Investigations

  • lab investigations
  • diagnostic imaging

Lab Investigations

A complete bood count should be ordered.

Blood cultures are indicated.

Fluid from effusions, if deemed clinically significant, should be sent for gram stain.

Diagnostic Imaging

A chest X-ray can reveal consolidation or effusion.

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Differential Diagnosis

The differential for respiratory distress in neonates includes:

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Treatments

 

Supportive Care

Infants should be kept warm and dry.

Oxygen should be provided to maintain saturation. Positive pressure ventilation and/or intubation should be provided if necessary.

Intravenous access should be established, with IV fluids provided to maintain hydration.

 

Antibiotics

Ampicillin (for GBS and Listeria) AND gentamycin OR cefotaxime for gram-negative coverage.

As gentamycin is oto- and nephrotoxic, levels need to be closely monitored to prevent complications.

Treatment should be provided for 10-21 days.

If C. trachomatis is suspected, erythromycin may be used.

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Consequences and Course

Progression depends on the pathogen.

GBS can occur within the first hours to days of extrauterine life and result in rapid respiratory failure and hemodynamic collapse.

Community-acquired organisms typically cause a slower progression of symptoms.

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Resources and References

Black RE et al. 2010. Global, regional, and national causes of child mortality in 2008: a systematic analysis. Lancet. 375(9730): 1969-1987.

Nissen MD. 2007. Congenital and neonatal pneumonia. Paediatr Respir Rev. 8(3):195-203.

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Topic Development

authors: April 2012, David LaPierre

reviewers:

 

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