Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors of Neonatal Sepsis: A Retrospective Study From Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Neonatal sepsis is defined as a systemic illness caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, characterized by hemodynamic abnormalities and clinical findings that result in morbidity and mortality. Neonatal morbidity and mortality are significantly influenced by neonatal sepsis. Causative pathogens and antimicrobial sensitivity profiles have changed over time, with significant geographic variation. Aim To determine the characteristics and associated risk factors of sepsis among neonates admitted into neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Maternity and Children Hospital, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia. Methodology An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2022 to December 2023 at the Maternity and Children Hospital, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia. All neonates born with clinically diagnosed sepsis and positive culture were included in this study. Results This study included 134 neonates with a culture-proven diagnosis of neonatal sepsis during the study period. There were 23 (17.2%) cases of early-onset sepsis (EOS) and 111 (82.8%) cases of late-onset sepsis (LOS). Compared to late-onset sepsis (18.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa is more common in early-onset sepsis (33.3%). In cases of early-onset sepsis, Escherichia coli is isolated more often (33.3%) than in cases of late-onset (9.4%). Neonatal sepsis mortality is higher in LOS (25 [22.5%]) than in EOS (3 [13%]). Neonates with extremely preterm birth weight, gram-negative sepsis, and thrombocytopenia have a significantly higher mortality rate (p=<0.05). Conclusion In order to lower the risk among newborns, policymakers and/or managers will benefit from the information provided by the assessment of the prevalence, clinical outcomes, and risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Furthermore, developing hospital-based care strategies requires an understanding of the microorganisms that cause infections among neonates.