SEPSIS/INFECTION

CONTENT

What is Sepsis

What are the causes

What are the symptoms

How is it treated

When will my baby feel better

What can parents do

WHAT IS SEPSIS

  1. Sepsis is an infection that is in the bloodstream. We call it sepsis only if the infection is in the bloodstream.
  1. If the infection is not in the bloodstream, we call it an infection.
  1. Possible sites for infections are:
  1. Lungs
  2. Urine
  3. Skin
  4. Intestines
  5. Spinal fluid.

WHAT CAUSES INFECTIONS

  1. Infections in babies, as in adults, are caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus. Think “germs.”
  1. Infections can be anywhere in the body.
  1. Newborn babies, especially those born prematurely (born early), get an infection or sepsis because their immune system is not fully developed and they are unable to fight the infection (germs).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

  1. Babies that have sepsis or an infection can have any or all of the following symptoms:
  1. Decreased heart rate (bradycardia)
  2. Decreased or absent breathing (apnea)
  3. Pale/gray color
  4. Decreased level of activity
  5. Increased or decreased temperature
  6. Feeding intolerance (emesis, spitting, residuals).

HOW ARE SEPSIS/INFECTIONS TREATED

  1. First we will draw some lab work and a blood culture to help us identify the germ that is causing your baby’s infection.
  1. We do not always wait for the culture results to be returned to us as this can take 24-48 hours and during that time your baby could become very sick.

a.As soon as we draw the lab work and culture, we will start your baby on antibiotics.

  1. When the lab has identified the germ, we will continue, change or discontinue the antibiotics as needed.
  1. The safest and best way to give antibiotics is through an IV. Also, your baby may be too sick at first to have formula or breast milk and the IV will provide calories and fluid until he/she is feeling better.
  1. Other things that we do are:
  1. Monitor your baby closely
  2. Provide additional oxygen as needed
  3. Provide respiratory support as needed (CPAP, ventilator)
  4. We may also culture other secretions (stool, mucus, drainage) depending on the site of the infection.

WHEN WILL MY BABY FEEL BETTER

  1. Usually they feel better within a few days of starting the antibiotics, but it is very important that they take all of the antibiotics to prevent the infection from coming back.
  1. Most babies who have a confirmed infection will stay on antibiotics for 7-10 days.

a.Those babies with a “suspected” infection may receive antibiotics for 5-7 days

b.Depending on the baby’s culture results and/or how well your baby does, antibiotics may be continued longer.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO

  1. The most important thing you can do is to get to know your baby so you can recognize when he or she acts “differently.”
  1. Parents are often the first to notice the baby is getting sick.
  1. Please continue to call and visit your baby.

Reviewed/Revised: 09/98…..06/13

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