Perinatal Risk Factors and Early Onset of Neonatal Sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis contributes significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality and is an ongoing major global public health challenge particularly in developing countries. Objective: The study aims to determine the prevalence of early neonatal infections and risk factors associated with neonatal intensive care. Methods: In a cross-sectional study that included all newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care of Tishreen University Hospital from October 2019 for one year and who fulfilled clinical and laboratory criteria for early neonatal sepsis, blood samples were drawn for laboratory analysis (CBC, CRP) with a blood culture. Results: 197 neonates (28.14%) had early neonatal sepsis. The majority of patients (80.71%) had negative blood cultures. The most common pathogen of the early neonatal infection was Staphylococcus albicans, Streptococci, and E. coli. The current study found that the most prevalent risk factor for early neonatal infection was a cesarean section, followed by maternal infections, male newborn sex, low birth weight, prematurity, maternal age greater than 30 years and less than 20 years, early rupture of membranes, need for resuscitation, and Meconium amino fluid. Conclusion: The current study confirmed an important prevalence of early neonatal sepsis in Tishreen University Hospital with its association with many risk factors; the most prevalent factors were cesarean section, the gender of the male newborn, low birth weight, and prematurity.