Culture and Sensitivity Pattern of Sepsis in Ventilated Newborns

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in modern neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Increasing trend of antibiotic resistance makes this problem more difficult to tackle, at present. Haemodynamically compromised neonates, particularly those requiring ventilator support, often suffer from multidrug resistant sepsis. The objectives of this study were to determine micro-organisms causing sepsis in those neonates requiring ventilator support and the sensitivity patterns of those micro-organisms.

Material and Method: During 18 months of study period, 48 neonates, who had fulfilled the chosen inclusion criteria were included in this study. They were investigated with blood culture, urine culture, CSF culture, and endotracheal tube tip culture (taken within 48 hours of starting ventilation), as per relevance. Those who were found positive to any micro-organism, were also explored. They were studied further for antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. Data obtained from this study were analysed using SPSS-20.0.

Results: 15(31.3%) neonates were found to be culture positive. Klebsiella sp. was most common (33.3%) organism isolated, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%). Most common antibiotic found to be sensitive was Meropenem (86.67%), followed by Colistin and Tigecycline (80% each).

Conclusion: Nowadays, all NICUs throughout the world face a common problem of multidrug resistant sepsis. There is always a doubt regarding choice of second line antibiotics, when one considers for upgradation. As per this study, authors considered Meropenem as second line antibiotic of choice, as other sensitive antibiotics like Colistin, Tigecycline wield more adverse effects on neonates.

J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2016;36(1):34-37