Incidence and etiology of neonatal septicaemia and meningitis in western Sweden 1975-1986.
In a retrospective study of neonatal septicaemia and meningitis in a defined region of western Sweden 1975-1986, 231 cases were identified. The incidence was 2.8/1000 live births. The case-fatality rate was 15%. thirty-three patients had meningitis. Only 55 patients (24%) had no known risk factors. Preterm delivery was a most important risk factor for both morbidity and mortality. The most common causative organisms were group B streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and aerobic Gram-negative rods, together isolated from 82% of the patients. The cases were approximately equally divided between very early, early and late onset infections. Group B streptococci were over-represented in very early onset infections in all birthweight groups and aerobic Gram-negative rods were the most common isolates from low birthweight infants with late onset infections. However, group B streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative rods were found in all birthweight and gestational age groups. Thus, initial antimicrobial therapy must be equally broad in all neonates with suspected septicaemia.
Tessin
I
I
Department of Paediatrics, Mölndal Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Trollfors
B
B
Thiringer
K
K
D005260:Female; D006088:Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000382:microbiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology