LATE ONSET SEPSIS IN NEWBORNS WITH INCIDENCE OF MENINGITIS.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta*

ABSTRACT

Background: Bacterial sepsis and meningitis continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns, particularly in premature infants. The present study was undertaken to know the incidence of meningitis in neonates with late onset sepsis. Methods: Hospital based observational study, conducted for a period of one year. 118 neonates fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included and subjected to detailed history, clinical examination followed by investigations. Results: The annual incidence of meningitis in LOS was 17. The majority of patients (50%) presented in the age group of 3-7 days. The mean weight of neonates was 2.51 ± 0.508) kg.58% of neonates with meningitis were of low birth weight (P <0.005). 60.6% of preterms with LOS had meningitis as against 35% for terms (P <0.005). 59.4% Females had meningitis as against 40.6% males (P >0.005). In meningitis cases 100% cases were lethargic; decreased feeding in 60%, seizures in 52.8%, fever in 40%. Blood culture was positive in 49.6% cases of meningitis. Meningitis was seen in 66.7% of proven gram negative sepsis as against 33.7% cases of proven gram positive sepsis (P <0.005). 20.6% cases of meningitis had mortality as against 5.8% in those who had sepsis but no meningitis (P <0.005). Conclusions: Meningitis is common in late onset sepsis, associated with high mortality.

Keywords: Meningitis, LOS, Preterm.