Neonatal Sepsis Specialists in Sowcarpet ND, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

What is Neonatal Sepsis?

Neonatal sepsis is a serious bloodstream infection occurring in the first 28 days of life, resulting from bacteria, viruses, or fungi entering a newborn's bloodstream and triggering a potentially life-threatening systemic inflammatory response. It is classified as early-onset, typically acquired from the mother during pregnancy or delivery and presenting within the first three days of life, or late-onset, acquired from the hospital environment or community after the first few days. Because a newborn's immune system is still immature and symptoms can be subtle and nonspecific, neonatal sepsis requires a high index of suspicion and prompt treatment to prevent rapid deterioration.

Causes of Neonatal Sepsis

Early-onset sepsis is typically caused by bacteria transmitted from the mother during pregnancy or delivery, such as group B streptococcus or E. coli, often related to prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal infection, or preterm birth. Late-onset sepsis is more often acquired from the hospital environment, particularly in infants requiring intensive care with invasive lines or ventilator support, or from community exposure after discharge. Prematurity and low birth weight significantly increase susceptibility due to an immature immune system.

Symptoms of Neonatal Sepsis

Fever or, paradoxically, low body temperature, poor feeding, lethargy or decreased activity, rapid or labored breathing, irritability or excessive crying, vomiting or abdominal distension, jaundice, pale or mottled skin, seizures in severe cases, signs of poor circulation such as cold extremities

Treatment & Types of Neonatal Sepsis in Sowcarpet ND, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Treatment requires prompt hospitalization and immediate initiation of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics while awaiting culture results, given how rapidly the condition can progress in newborns. Supportive care including careful fluid management, temperature regulation, and respiratory support is provided as needed in a neonatal intensive care setting. Antibiotic therapy is adjusted once the specific causative organism is identified, and close monitoring continues throughout treatment to watch for complications.

Neonatology Specialists in Sowcarpet ND, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (0)

No specialists listed yet in Sowcarpet ND, Chennai, Tamil Nadu — browse all doctors instead.

Frequently Asked Questions