The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is sepsis? " � Sepsis is an infection in the blood. It is a serious illness that affects the whole body. Sepsis needs to be treated right away because it can be life-threatening. � �
Sepsis can happen in babies, children, and adults. "Sepsis in newborn babies " � is when sepsis happens in babies younger than 1 month old. Doctors and nurses call it "neonatal sepsis. " � � �
This article is about sepsis in newborn babies who were born after 34 weeks of pregnancy. � �
What are the symptoms of sepsis in newborn babies? " � Symptoms of sepsis in newborn babies can include: � �
- A fever " � But some babies have a low or normal body temperature instead of a fever.
- Trouble breathing or breathing faster than normal
- Feeding less than usual
- Vomiting
- Jaundice " � Jaundice is the word doctors use when a babys skin or white part of the eye turns yellow.
- Sleeping more than usual
- The fingertips and lips looking slightly blue
Should I call my baby's doctor or nurse? " � Yes. If your baby has any of the symptoms above, or isn't acting normally, call his or her doctor or nurse right away. � �
Will my baby need tests? " � Yes. The doctor or nurse will ask about your baby's symptoms and about his or her birth, and do an exam. He or she will do blood tests, including a test called "blood cultures. " � Blood cultures can check for an infection in the blood. � �
Many babies also need other tests to check if they have an infection in another part of their body. These tests might include: � �
- A lumbar puncture (sometimes called a "spinal tap " �) " � During this procedure, a doctor will put a thin needle into your baby's lower back and remove a small sample of spinal fluid. Spinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. He or she will do lab tests on the sample.
- Urine tests
- A chest X-ray
How is sepsis in newborn babies treated? " � Sepsis in newborn babies is treated in the hospital. The doctor will give your baby antibiotic medicines that go into his or her vein through a tube called an "IV. " � � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17189 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �