Risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis in patients in minimum care in the Neonatal Intensive Care

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis represents a challenge for Neonatology Services in the world because despite advances in diagnostic studies and antimicrobial therapy, more than 46% of deaths in children under 5 years of age correspond to the neonatal period, and within that, 15% percentage is due to sepsis.
Objective: To characterize the risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis in n ewborns admitted to the NICU (Intensive Care Unit), in the minimum care area of the Honduran Social Security Institute, from January to June 2022. Patients and Methodology: Quantitative study with a descriptive scope, 100 neonates with the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis admitted to the NICU in a minimum care area were studied, non-probabilistic sampling at convenience, clinical records were reviewed with application of informed consent to father and/or or tutor. Results: 57% were between 1 and 24 hours old at admission, 65.0% male, 93.0% mixed race and 7% black. 83.0% of the mothers were primigravida, with a history of urinary infection in 70.0% during the third trimester of pregnancy and 15.5% with a history of vaginal infections. 7.8% with premature rupture of membranes, 3.9% chorioamnionitis, 6.49% intrapartum fever and 10.0% with maternal respiratory infections. Fever was a predominant sign of sepsis in all patients. Conclusions: Mother between 26-35 years old, being primiparous, having less than three prenatal check-ups during pregnancy are considered risk factors for neonatal sepsis with a statistically significant relationship.