Neonatal Sepsis: Moms and Dads, be sure to be aware of this!

A new baby is a great joy to have in the family. However, as a mother or father, it is also normal to feel a little scared and worried. Even if your baby has a cold, we get worried. Today we are going to talk about sepsis, a dangerous condition that can occur in newborns, which is a little more serious than a simple illness. It is very important to be aware of this, because taking quick action can completely save the baby.

Simply put, what is sepsis?

Sepsis is a very serious condition that can occur in a newborn baby (less than 28 days old). This happens when the baby's immune system starts to overreact when an infection enters the baby's body. Imagine, what is happening here is like the army that protects our country, going to fight an enemy and accidentally harming our own country.

This overreaction can cause inflammation throughout the baby's body . It can also cause blood clots, reducing blood flow to the limbs and major organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys. This can lead to organ failure and sometimes even death. That's why it's so dangerous.

Doctors divide this condition into two categories, depending on the age at which the baby begins to show symptoms.

• Early-onset neonatal sepsis: This condition occurs within the first 72 hours (3 days) of birth.
• Late-onset neonatal sepsis: This condition occurs after 3 days of birth.

Who is most at risk?

This condition can develop in any baby, but some babies are at a higher risk.

In addition, the following babies are also at increased risk:

• Babies with low birth weight.
• Babies with low Apgar scores evaluated at birth.
• Baby boys.
• If the mother had any infection during pregnancy.

Does your baby have these symptoms? Be careful!

Many of the symptoms seen in sepsis can also be seen in a baby with other common illnesses. So don't be alarmed if you have one or two of these symptoms. However,If you have several of these symptoms at the same time, or if you feel that your baby is having a harder time than usual, you should definitely seek medical advice immediately.

Why is this happening? What are the reasons?

Sepsis in newborns is often caused by bacterial infections . In particular, bacteria such as `(E. coli)`, `(Listeria)` and `(Group B streptococcus - GBS)` are the main causes. Sometimes this condition can also be caused by viruses, fungi and parasites. For example, a virus called `(Herpes Simplex Virus - HSV)` can also cause serious infections in babies.

Early-onset sepsis

In this type, the baby gets the infection from the mother. This can happen while the baby is still in the womb or during birth. The risk is increased by things like:

• Bacteria such as Group B streptococcus (GBS) are present in the mother's vagina during pregnancy.
• The baby is born prematurely.
• The water breaks more than 18 hours before the baby is born.
• An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid. This is also called `(chorioamnionitis)`.

Late-onset sepsis

In this type, the baby becomes infected after birth, from the environment they are in. This risk is especially high in babies who spend a long time in the hospital.

• Germs can enter through catheters, IVs, or other medical devices.
• Low birth weight.
• If you have a breathing tube inserted.
• Having to spend a long time in the hospital due to another medical condition.

How do doctors find this?

When you take your baby to a doctor, he or she will carefully examine your baby's symptoms and ask you about them. Then, a series of tests may be done to confirm whether it is sepsis. This is also called a "sepsis work-up."

Can this be cured? What are the treatments?

Yes, sepsis can be cured! But it is extremely important to start treatment immediately. It is said that the risk increases by about 7.6% for every hour that treatment is delayed. So speed is the most important thing.

Often, the baby will be admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) and treatment will begin.

• Giving fluids intravenously (IV).
• Administering antibiotics intravenously for bacterial infections and antiviral medications for viral infections.
• Medications to control heart rate and blood pressure.
• If necessary, provide supplemental oxygen.

In some cases, the baby may need blood transfusions.

Can complications occur after complete recovery?

Most babies who recover completely from sepsis do not have any long-term problems, but some babies may develop long-term health problems.

Sometimes this infection can spread to the membranes surrounding the brain, causing a condition called meningitis . If this happens,

• Hearing impairment
• Developmental delays
• Cerebral palsy
• Long-term problems such as seizures may occur.

Are there things we can do to prevent this?

Yes, we can help prevent this to some extent.

• During pregnancy: If your doctor finds that you have a vaginal infection (GBS), you will be given IV antibiotics a few hours before your baby is born. This treatment is also given if you have a baby who has previously developed sepsis or if there is an infection in the placenta.
• In general: Maintaining good hygiene, washing hands frequently, and cleaning hands before touching the baby can help reduce the risk of germs from the outside environment. It is also important to vaccinate your baby on time.

When should the baby be taken to the ETU as soon as possible?

If you notice one or more of the following symptoms after you return home from the hospital with your baby, immediately take your baby to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• If the baby is unusually fussy or very sleepy .
• Baby'sIf the skin is cold, pale, or has changed color.
• If the nappy has been dry for more than 12 hours and there has been no urine .
• If the baby is unresponsive or has difficulty breathing .