Patient education: Sepsis in newborn babies (The Basics)

What is sepsis? — 

This 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. It can be caused by different kinds of infections. "Sepsis in newborn babies" is when sepsis happens in babies younger than 1 month old. It is also called "neonatal sepsis."

What are the symptoms of sepsis in newborn babies? — 

Symptoms can include:

●Fever – But some babies have a low or normal body temperature instead.

●Trouble breathing, or breathing faster than normal

●Feeding less than usual

●Vomiting

●Jaundice – This is when a baby's skin or white part of the eye turns yellow.

●Sleeping more than usual

●Fingertips and lips looking slightly blue or gray

Will my baby need tests? — 

Yes. If your baby's doctor suspects sepsis, they will do blood tests, including a test called "blood cultures." This 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 might include:

●Lumbar puncture (sometimes called a "spinal tap") – This is a way to check for an infection in the brain. A doctor puts a thin needle into your baby's lower back and removes a small sample of spinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

●Urine tests – This is a way to check for an infection in the bladder or kidneys. The doctor or nurse inserts a small tube through your baby's urethra and into their bladder. The urethra is the opening where urine comes out of the body.

●Chest X-ray – This is an imaging test to check for an infection in the lungs. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.

How is sepsis in newborn babies treated? — 

It is treated in the hospital. The doctor will give your baby antibiotic medicines through a thin tube that goes into a vein, called an "IV."

Can sepsis be prevented? — 

You can help prevent sepsis by avoiding infections:

●Get your baby the vaccines their doctor recommends. Get yourself and other caregivers the vaccines your doctor recommends, too. Vaccines can prevent serious or deadly infections.

●Keep your baby away from people who are sick.

●Wash your hands frequently.

If your baby gets an infection, see a doctor right away. Getting the right treatment can lower the risk of sepsis.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your baby's doctor or nurse if your baby has any signs of infection, or isn't acting normally.

More on this topic

Patient education: Fever in babies younger than 3 months (The Basics)
Patient education: Jaundice in babies (The Basics)
Patient education: Sepsis in babies and children (The Basics)

Patient education: Fever in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Jaundice in newborn infants (Beyond the Basics)