Neonatal septicaemia in low birth weight infants at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

Objective: To quantify the burden of infection among low birth weight (LBW) infants at the new born unit (NBU) of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), identify any risk factors, causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities.

Design: Retrospective study utilising case notes.

Setting: New born unit, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

Subjects: All LBW infants admitted to the NBU of KNH from January to December 2000.

Results: A total of 533 LBW infants were admitted to the NBU. Seventy four (13.9%) had confirmed sepsis from blood culture. The case fatality rate was 36.5%. Place and mode of delivery, antenatal clinic attendance and premature rupture of membranes did not increase the rate of sepsis. The common organisms isolated were gram negative organisms 60 (66.6%), while gram positive organisms were 30 (33.4%). Antibiotic sensitivity revealed high resistance to ampicillin and good sensitivity to aminoglycosides, third generation cephalosporins, clavulanic acid potentiated amoxycillin and chloramphenicol.

Conclusion: Case fatality rate for low birth weight infants with sepsis is high. Gram negative organisms are the predominant pathogens. No maternal risk factors were identified. Antibiotic sensitivity shows adequate sensitivity to aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins