Clinical Spectrum of Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Objective: To describe clinical spectrum of early onset neonatal sepsis in our set up.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Neonatology Unit, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Services Hospital, Lahore from 01-07-2007 to 31-12-07.Subjects and Methods: The data of all the admitted neonates with culture proven early onset neonatal sep-sis were analyzed for age, weight, gender, and clinical presentations at the time of admission.Results: The mean age of neonates at time of presentation was 2.26 ± 1.661 days. Fifty seven percent were boys with male to female ratio 1.32 : 1.The mean weight at time of presentation was 2.9 kilograms, maximum with the standard deviation of 0.319. Refusal to feed was the most common 68%, followed by respiratory distress 47%, and lethargy 41%. Other symptoms included fits 20%, vomiting 18%, irritability 16%, diarrhea 14%, jaundice 8%, bleeding 8% and fever in 7% of patients. Temperature instability (51%) was the most common clinical sign followed by poor sucking 48%, shock 25%, tachycardia 16%, cyanosis 12%, bradycardia 9%, petechiae and purpura 12%, grunting 5%, apnea 5%, and abdominal distension in 2% of patients.Conclusion: Early onset neonatal sepsis has non specific signs and symptoms so high index of suspi-cion should be kept in mind while managing a sick neonate so that early and prompt treatment can be instituted