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. 2024 Dec 28;16(12):e76517.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.76517. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors of Neonatal Sepsis: A Retrospective Study From Saudi Arabia

Hussain A Al Ghadeer  1 , Rahmah H Alabdallah  1 , Ghufran I AlKhalaf  1 , Faisal K Aldandan  2 , Hassan A Almohammed  3 , Murtadha M Al Busaeed  1 , Fatimah M Alkhawajah  3 , Khawla A Al Hassan  4 , Fatimah A Alghadeer  5 , Haidar H Alreqa  4 , Rafyel S Al Muaiweed  4 , Afnan S Al Bohassan  4 , Abdullatif A AlMuhaish  4 , Ahmed J Alhabeeb  6 , Anas K Alsaif  7
Affiliations

Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors of Neonatal Sepsis: A Retrospective Study From Saudi Arabia

Hussain A Al Ghadeer et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction Neonatal sepsis is defined as a systemic illness caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, characterized by hemodynamic abnormalities and clinical findings that result in morbidity and mortality. Neonatal morbidity and mortality are significantly influenced by neonatal sepsis. Causative pathogens and antimicrobial sensitivity profiles have changed over time, with significant geographic variation. Aim To determine the characteristics and associated risk factors of sepsis among neonates admitted into neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Maternity and Children Hospital, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia. Methodology An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2022 to December 2023 at the Maternity and Children Hospital, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia. All neonates born with clinically diagnosed sepsis and positive culture were included in this study. Results This study included 134 neonates with a culture-proven diagnosis of neonatal sepsis during the study period. There were 23 (17.2%) cases of early-onset sepsis (EOS) and 111 (82.8%) cases of late-onset sepsis (LOS). Compared to late-onset sepsis (18.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa is more common in early-onset sepsis (33.3%). In cases of early-onset sepsis, Escherichia coli is isolated more often (33.3%) than in cases of late-onset (9.4%). Neonatal sepsis mortality is higher in LOS (25 [22.5%]) than in EOS (3 [13%]). Neonates with extremely preterm birth weight, gram-negative sepsis, and thrombocytopenia have a significantly higher mortality rate (p=<0.05). Conclusion In order to lower the risk among newborns, policymakers and/or managers will benefit from the information provided by the assessment of the prevalence, clinical outcomes, and risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Furthermore, developing hospital-based care strategies requires an understanding of the microorganisms that cause infections among neonates.

Keywords: alahsa; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; neonatal intensive care unit; neonatal sepsis; prevalence; risk factors; saudi arabia; septicemia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Site of isolated organisms among NICU-admitted neonates with neonatal sepsis, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia (n=134)
Figure 2
Figure 2. General isolated bacterial organisms among NICU cases with neonatal sepsis
Figure 3
Figure 3. Isolated microorganisms by sepsis onset among study neonates
Figure 4
Figure 4. Isolated fungal organisms and antibacterial resistance among NICU cases with neonatal sepsis
Figure 5
Figure 5. The reported antenatal (maternal) risk factors for neonatal sepsis among NICU cases in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Figure 6
Figure 6. The reported postnatal (neonatal) risk factors for neonatal sepsis among NICU cases in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Figure 7
Figure 7. The clinical outcome among NICU admitted neonates with neonatal sepsis, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia (n=134)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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