European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) remains a major cause for neonatal mortality and morbidity.To reduce neonatal mortality due to neonatal sepsis, preventive strategies are better than therapeutic measures.
AIM:To identify maternal and foetal risk factors associated with early onset neonatal bacterial sepsis (EONS), in babies born in a rural teaching hospital.
Methodology –During the study period, using simple random sampling method, total 204 neonates were selected. Of them, only 172 mothers of neonates (134 controls, 38 EONS cases) gave written informed consent.
Results- The birth weight was significantly low in babies who developed EONS (mean weight 2.39± 0.8) compared to that of the control group(mean weight 2.83±0.6).The Mean APGAR score at 5 minutes was significantly low in babies who developed EONS (7.15± 1.03) compared to that of the control group (9.3±0.9).Late preterm (GA 32 to 36 weeks) was a risk factor for EONS. Prematurity was significantly associated with EONS. Pregnancy domicile area of the mother was not associated with development of sepsis.
Conclusion-Ambuuse, Laryngoscope use, Oxygen use, ET intubation in the delivery room were not associated with EONS risk. Baby not undergoing or not needing gastric lavage in the delivery room was a protective factor against EONS.Keywords: Neonatal sepsis, Low birth weight, preterm babies.