Neonatal Sepsis

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Introduction

 

 

 

The Case of...

a simple case introducing clincial presentation and calling for a differential diagnosis to get students thinking.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Bacterial causes:

Viral causes:

Risk factors for infection include:

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Pathophysiology

 

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Signs and Symptoms

  • history
  • physical exam

History

Parents will often say "baby is just not right"

 

Less commonly

  • vomiting, diarrhea
  • jaundice
  • seizures

Physical Exam

greay undertone to skin

increased or decreased temperature

Tachypnea (>60)

increased work of breathing

lethargy or poor feeding

low neurological tone

 

less commonly

abdominal distension, hepatomegaly

apnea

petechia

 

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Investigations

  • lab investigations
  • diagnostic imaging

Lab Investigations

CBCN

CRP

blood cultures (often false negative)

LP for CSF can be positive, even if blood culture negative

viral cultures

urinalysis/C&S - rarely positive in a neonate

Diagnostic Imaging

Chest X-ray

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Differential Diagnosis

 

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Treatments

 

Treat empirically with a minimum of 48h IV amp and gent, or longer if clinical suspicion or positive test results.

 

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Consequences and Course

 

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Resources and References

 

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Topic Development

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reviewers:

 

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