Clinical Characteristics of Early Onset Sepsis in Micropreemie Born at 25 or Less than 25 Weeks of Gestational Age

Abstract

Purpose:The aim of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics of early onset sepsis (EOS) in micropreemie. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 107 extremely preterm infants born at 25 or less than 25 weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Samsung Medical Center from January 2013 to August 2015. Infants were divided into two groups based on the presence of culture-proven EOS in the first 7 days of life. Retrospective analysis of perinatal factors and laboratory findings within the first week of life was done between two groups. We compared the neonatal outcomes among two groups. Results: Culture-proven EOS was diagnosed in 11 of 107 infants (10.3%). Main pathogen of EOS was Staphylococcus epidermidis (45.5%). There were no significant differences between control group and EOS group in gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, delivery type and pathologic chorioamnionitis. Among 11 infants with EOS, 9 showed fetal tachycardia (P=0.001). And EOS group presented lower platelet count at 3 rd day and 7 th day of life than that of control group (P=0.033, P=0.045). Neonatal outcomes in EOS group were compatible with control group. Main cause of death was sepsis in EOS group. Conclusion: In micropreemie, EOS is important factor of mortality. Our data suggest that fetal tachycardia and low platelet count during the first 7 days of life were associated with EOS.