Neonatal Infection: A Review of Associated Risk Factors
Keywords:
Neonatal Sepsis, Perinatal Risk Factors, Apgar Score, Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid, Neonatal Morbidity, Home BirthAbstract
In 2018 the global neonatal death rate was 18 per 1000 live births, accounting for 2.5 million neonatal deaths. This represents approximately 7000 neonatal deaths every day. Among under five mortalities, more than two-fifth of deaths occur during the neonatal period and one third of these neonatal deaths are due to infection. Muhororo Hospital counted a neonatal infection rate of 22.5 per 1000 live births and in the quarter from July 2023 to December 2023 the rate increased to 24.3 per 1000 live births. Systemic signs of infection and isolation of a bacterial or other pathogen from the bloodstream manifest neonatal infection. Commonly known maternal risk factors for neonatal infection in high-income countries are chorioamnionitis, intrapartum maternal temperature above 38°C, delivery below 37weeks of gestation, membrane rupture beyond 18 hours, and vaginal group B streptococcus colonization. In a bid to reduce neonatal infection from 8.6% in June 2023 to 6.5% by June 2024, a study was conducted to know preventable risk factors for neonatal infection in Muhororo Hospital. The study enrolled all newborns in neonatology service with confirmed neonatal infection during data collection period. The study identified that Apgar score ˂ 7, poor feeding, meconial amniotic fluid and home delivery were factors affecting or predispose for neonatal infection. Factors like gravidity of the mother, gestational age, type of amniotic fluid membrane rupture and the type of delivery were not significantly associated with neonatal infection.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nizeyimana Fidele, Igirukwayo Ildephonse, Mutabazi Placide, Mukeshimana Jeanne d’Arc, Niyitegeka Jean Pierre, Ndayisaba Cleophas, Uwumukiza Dative, Nkurikiyintwali Jean Marie Vianney (Author)
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