ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and outcome of neonatal sepsis. Sepsis was classically described in the adult patient with a Gram-negative infection who subsequently developed fever, hypotension with poor tissue perfusion, and ultimately multiple organ failure. Until recently, sepsis was defined as the presence of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) response coupled with a causative infection. Risk factors for neonatal sepsis can be divided into maternal and neonatal factors. Maternal contributors are more likely to be involved in early onset sepsis (EOS) than late onset sepsis (LOS) and have been divided into three categories: infection, colonization, and risk factors. Acute phase reactants and biomarkers can be measured in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis. Given the profound morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal sepsis, management should begin with prevention. The most significant prevention strategy has been the implementation of prenatal screening and administration of intrapartum antibiotics for group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection.
