The puerperal sepsis and its factors

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: The puerperal sepsis and its factors
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Maysoon Kareem Obaid and Rafah Mousa Khalaf


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: The puerperal sepsis and its factors

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20197-15092

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in infants, particularly in preterm and low birth weight newborns. This medical condition can stem from various maternal, neonatal, and environmental factors, necessitating effective prevention strategies and early therapeutic interventions. A review conducted in Al-Jarrah Hospital in Baghdad aimed to explore the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic methodologies, and management of neonatal sepsis, focusing on a sample of 25 female infants during a specified timeframe.

The Immune Vulnerability of Neonates

One critical aspect of neonatal sepsis is the immaturity of the immune system in newborns, especially those born preterm. The innate immune response, which is designed to act against infections without prior exposure, is significantly less effective in neonates. For example, the production of inflammatory cytokines is reduced, and the function of neutrophils and dendritic cells is impaired, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. The adaptive immune system also develops slowly, leaving neonates less capable of effectively combating pathogens. These factors contribute to an elevated risk of severe infections, including sepsis, particularly in the first weeks of life.

Risk Factors for Early-Onset Sepsis

Early-onset sepsis (EOS) primarily occurs within the first week of life, often as a result of maternal transmission during labor. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains the most common organism associated with EOS, despite a noted decline in incidence due to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). Controversially, the incidence of EOS linked to Escherichia coli has risen, particularly among very low birthweight infants. Various maternal and neonatal risk factors contribute to the overall occurrence of EOS, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention.

Managing Late-Onset Sepsis

Late-onset sepsis (LOS) typically occurs after the first week of life and is primarily attributable to pathogens acquired postnatally. This condition is especially prevalent in hospitalized preterm infants, often as a consequence of invasive procedures. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have emerged as the most common pathogens responsible for LOS; however, Gram-negative organisms such as E. coli and Klebsiella also play a significant role. Effective management of LOS involves rigorous infection control protocols and prompt treatment to mitigate associated morbidity and mortality risks.

Conclusion

Neonatal sepsis remains a pressing concern in pediatric healthcare, with Group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli being the leading causes of early-onset cases while coagulase-negative staphylococci are predominant in late-onset cases. Greater understanding of the factors contributing to sepsis, alongside improvements in diagnostic techniques and infection control practices, is vital for enhancing survival rates and outcomes for affected infants. Continued research into immune responses and potential therapeutic interventions will play a crucial role in addressing this ongoing health challenge.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is neonatal sepsis and its classification?

Neonatal sepsis is a severe infection in newborns classified as early-onset (within the first week) and late-onset (after one week), based on the timing of infection and presumed source.

What are the common pathogens causing early-onset sepsis?

The most common pathogens causing early-onset sepsis are Group B Streptococcus and E. coli, with GBS being the leading cause, especially in term infants, while E. coli predominantly affects very low birth weight infants.

What are significant risk factors for neonatal sepsis?

Significant risk factors include maternal infections, preterm birth, low birth weight, and factors related to the neonatal host and the virulence of infecting organisms.

How can neonatal sepsis be diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes clinical evaluation, blood culture testing, and examination of other bodily fluids like CSF and urine. Blood culture remains the gold standard but can have low positivity rates.

What are effective strategies to prevent neonatal sepsis?

Effective strategies involve maternal screening for Group B Streptococcus, timely antibiotic administration during labor and adherence to strict infection control measures in neonatal care.

What is the impact of delayed immunoglobulin synthesis in neonates?

Delayed immunoglobulin synthesis in neonates contributes to their increased susceptibility to infections, suggesting the potential benefit of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for prevention, although recent studies show mixed results.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The puerperal sepsis and its factors”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Blood:
Blood is a critical body fluid that carries oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products. In the context of neonatal sepsis, blood cultures are essential for diagnosing infections, as pathogens can be identified, guiding appropriate treatment and improving the survival rates of affected newborns.

2) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the process by which infections spread from one individual to another. In neonatal sepsis, understanding transmission routes, especially vertical transmission from mother to infant during pregnancy or delivery, is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies against early-onset infections.

3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to agents that kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. In treating neonatal sepsis, antibacterial medications are critical for effectively managing bacterial infections, with early and appropriate use being key to improving outcomes and reducing complications in neonates.

4) Disease:
Disease is a pathological condition of a bodily part, an organism, or system resulting from various causes. Neonatal sepsis is a severe disease characterized by systemic inflammation and infection in newborns, leading to potential long-term health issues or death if not promptly treated.

5) Birth:
Birth is the process of bringing a new individual into the world. Birth involves various risks for the neonate, including the potential for infections like neonatal sepsis, influenced by maternal health, hygiene practices during labor, and the protocols followed in neonatal care.

6) Table:
In academic and scientific writing, a table is a structured arrangement of data or information. Tables in this article provide summaries and comparisons of data related to neonatal sepsis, highlighting incidence rates, pathogen distribution, and risk factors, aiding in understanding trends and outcomes.

7) Death:
Death is the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. In the neonatal context, sepsis significantly increases the risk of mortality, making its early detection and appropriate management critical to improving the survival rates of affected infants.

8) Labour (Labor):
Labor is the process by which a pregnant woman gives birth to her child. Proper management during labor is essential to minimize risks like infection transmission, influencing the likelihood of complications such as early-onset sepsis in newborns.

9) Life:
Life refers to the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter. In the neonate, the beginning of life is critical; however, neonates are at higher risk for complications like sepsis due to immature immune systems and exposure to pathogens during and after birth.

10) Pregnant:
Pregnant describes the state of carrying a developing fetus within the womb. Pregnant women are key to preventing neonatal sepsis, as maternal health, infection control, and timely interventions during pregnancy directly affect the health of the newborn and outcomes post-birth.

11) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. In microbiology, identifying the species of bacteria causing infections like neonatal sepsis helps in determining appropriate antibiotics and understanding the epidemiology of the disease.

12) Surface:
Surfaces denote the outer or top areas of objects. In healthcare, ensuring that surfaces in neonatal intensive care units are properly disinfected is essential to prevent the spread of infections like neonatal sepsis, protecting vulnerable newborns from pathogens.

13) Study (Studying):
Study implies a systematic investigation to understand phenomena better. Research studies on neonatal sepsis provide critical insights into epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment responses, helping clinicians develop strategies to improve patient outcomes in newborns facing infections.

14) Discussion:
Discussion is the process of talking about something to reach a conclusion or to exchange ideas. In the context of scientific research, discussions around neonatal sepsis help interpret results, propose implications for practice, and suggest further areas of study, ultimately guiding clinical decision-making.

15) Substance:
Substance, in a clinical context, pertains to a specific material or matter utilized in therapies or treatments. The use of specific substances, like antimicrobial agents, is critical in combatting neonatal sepsis and enhancing treatment efficacy in infected newborns.

16) Account:
Account means to provide a report or explanation of something. In medical literature, accounting for factors contributing to neonatal sepsis, such as pathogens or maternal health, is vital for understanding risks and developing preventive strategies in vulnerable newborn populations.

17) Aureus:
Aureus refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial species commonly associated with infections in humans. In neonatal sepsis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant challenge due to its association with severe infections and increased morbidity and mortality rates.

18) Food:
Food signifies any nutritious substance that people or animals consume to sustain life and growth. For pregnant women, dietary choices can impact the risk of infections like listeria during pregnancy, indirectly affecting neonatal health and susceptibility to sepsis.

19) Sign:
Sign refers to an indicator or symptom that suggests something is happening. In neonatal sepsis, specific signs such as fever, respiratory distress, or lethargy are crucial for early identification of potential infection, guiding timely medical intervention.

20) Hand:
Hands denote the anatomy used for grasping and manipulation. In medical contexts, hands are significant for the transmission of pathogens. Effective handwashing practices are critical in preventing neonatal sepsis in hospital settings, emphasizing the importance of hygiene protocols.

21) Milk:
Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammals to feed their young. In the context of neonates, human milk provides essential antibodies and nutrients that can help bolster the immature immune systems of newborns, reducing their risk of infections such as sepsis.

22) Quality:
Quality denotes the standard of something as measured against other similar things. In healthcare, the quality of neonatal care, including infection control practices and antibiotic stewardship, directly impacts the incidence and outcomes of neonatal sepsis among newborns.

23) Killing (Killed):
Killing refers to the act of causing death. In the context of antibiotics and infections, specific antibacterial agents aim at killing pathogens responsible for diseases like neonatal sepsis, which is crucial for the successful treatment and survival of affected infants.

24) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to practices that maintain health and prevent disease, especially through cleanliness. Strict hygiene protocols in neonatal intensive care units are essential to reduce the risk of infections like neonatal sepsis by minimizing pathogen transmission in vulnerable populations.

25) Takala:
Takala references a specific study or findings in the literature. Mentioning particular studies like those reported by Takala provides context for understanding trends in neonatal sepsis and the effectiveness of interventions in reducing infection rates in newborns.

26) Animal:
Animal refers to living organisms that can move independently. In research, animal studies can help scientists understand neonatal infections and immune responses, providing insights that inform treatment strategies for diseases like neonatal sepsis in human infants.

27) Ras (Rash):
Rash refers to a noticeable change in the texture or color of the skin. In neonatal assessments, a rash may indicate underlying infections, including sepsis, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent complications in vulnerable newborns.

28) Gold (Golden):
Gold refers to a standard measure or benchmark in a given field. In healthcare diagnostics, blood cultures are considered the 'gold standard' for confirming neonatal sepsis, reflecting their known reliability and efficacy in identifying pathogens responsible for infections.

29) Viru:
Viru refers to viruses, which are infectious agents that can cause disease in hosts. In the context of neonatal sepsis, understanding viral infections and their interactions with bacterial infections is important for comprehensive management strategies in neonates.

30) Soil:
Soil is the upper layer of earth where plants grow, containing organic matter. It serves as a habitat for various pathogens, some of which can be transmitted to humans. In relation to sepsis, environmental factors such as soil contamination can pose risks during pregnancy and neonatal life.

31) Pur:
Poor typically describes inadequate quality or deficiency. In neonatal care, poor outcomes from sepsis are often seen in low birthweight or immunocompromised infants, underlining the need for robust preventive methods and prompt interventions to improve health outcomes.

32) Male:
Male refers to the sex of organisms typically associated with genetic and physiological differences. In neonatal health, gender differences may influence vulnerability to infections, with male infants observed to have higher risk factors for conditions, including neonatal sepsis.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘The puerperal sepsis and its factors’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Environmental factor, C-Reactive Protein, Escherichia coli, Maternal factors, Diagnostic method, Invasive Procedure, Biological marker, Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Innate immune system, Adaptive immune system, Neonatal sepsis, Procalcitonin, Group B Streptococcus, Complement levels, Infection Control Practice.

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