Paeds Flashcards
What is the most common cause of early onset neonatal sepsis?
group B streptococcus (GBS)
also: E- coli, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, H influenzae Listeria monocytogenes
What class of bacteria is GBS
gram-positive
coccus
How can a neonate be infected?
ascending infection via chorioamnionitis,
perinatally via direct contact in the birth canal
haematogenous spread
When is prophylaxis given for GBS
GBS infection (e.g. a UTI) or a positive high vaginal swab in this pregnancy or a previously affected child with GBS sepsis.
What are the red flag indicators and signs of early onset neonatal infection?
Parenteral antibiotic treatment given to the woman for confirmed or suspected invasive bacterial infection (such as septicaemia) at any time during labour, or in the 24-hour periods before and after the birth
Suspected or confirmed infection in another baby in the case of a multiple pregnancy
Resp distress >4hours after birth
Seizures
Need for mechanical ventilation in a term baby
Signs of shock
What are the risk factors for early onset neonatal sepsis?
Invasive group B streptococcal infection in a previous baby
Maternal group B streptococcal colonisation, bacteriuria or infection in the current pregnancy
Intrapartum fever higher than 38°C, or confirmed or suspected chorioamnionitis
Preterm birth following spontaneous labour (before 37 weeks’ gestation)
Prelabour rupture of membranes
Suspected or confirmed rupture of membranes for more than 18 hours in a preterm birth
Parenteral antibiotic treatment given to the woman for confirmed or suspected invasive bacterial infection (such as septicaemia) at any time during labour, or in the 24-hour periods before and after the birth (Red Flag)
Suspected or confirmed infection in another baby in the case of a multiple pregnancy (Red Flag)
What are some differentials for EONS
Transient Tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN); in term babies, causes tachypnoea and increased work of breathing
Surfactant deficient lung disease / respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); especially in preterm infants can cause tachypnoea and increased work of breathing
Meconium Aspiration; can cause the baby to be born in poor condition, with respiratory distress, and may require intubation.
Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn; can present with jaundice within the first 24 hours of life.
How should EONS be investigated?
FBC, CRP, blood cultures
swabs of urine, stool etc
LP if strong suspiciono of sepsis and/or meningitis
How is EONS managed?
IV benzylpenicillin with gentamicin empirically
7 days if cultures +ve
14 days if LP +ve
What percentage of women carry GBS in their genital tract?
25%
What can cause feeding difficulties in the neonate?
neurological incoordination (e.g. Down syndrome),
severe micrognathia,
tongue-tie
cleft palate (typically milk can come down the nose).
difficulty breast feeding
Why is neonatal physiological jaundice common?
high concentration of Hb (to maximise oxygen exchange and delivery to the fetus) no longer needed, so breaks down releasing bilirubin
the immature liver is not able to conjugate the large amount of bilirubin generated from fetal red blood cells (was previously cleared by the placenta)
What is the time frame of physiological jaundice in the new born?
Starts at day 2-3, peaks day 5 and usually resolved by day 10.
What are the causes of jaundice in the newborn?
physiological:
increased RBC breakdown
immature liver
pathological: unconjugated- haemolytic disease of the newborn - rhesus/ABO incompatability infection bruising hypothyroid breast milk jaundice
conjugated- hepatitis CF - causes cholestasis choledocal cyst biliary atresia - absence of intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts
What is the difference between physiological and pathological jaundice?
pathological requires further investigation or treatment. occurs before 24 hours or after 14days (21 days if born pre-term)
What are the risk factors for pathological jaundice?
prematurity, low birth weight, small for dates Previous sibling required phototherapy Exclusively breast fed Jaundice <24 hours Infant of diabetic mother
How should a newborn be examined for jaundice?
with the naked eye in bright, natural light (if possible). Examine the sclera, gums and blanche the skin
How might a baby withpathological jaundice present?
jaundiced!
Drowsy - difficult to rouse, not waking for feeds, very short feeds
Neurologically - altered muscle tone, seizures-needs immediate attention
Other: signs of infection, poor urine output, abdominal mass/organomegaly, stool remains black/not changing colour
How should a baby with pathological jaundice be investigated?
transcutaenous bilirubinometer
serum bilirubin, split bilirubin, blood group, FBC, U+E, LFTs, TFTs, DCT
blood culture, urine culture, LP
liver USS
In what situations are TCB monitoring and serum bilirubin used?
(TCB) can be used in >35/40 gestation and >24 hours old for first measurement. TCB can be used for all subsequent measurements, providing the level remains <250 µmol/L and the child has not required treatment
Serum bilirubin to be measured if <35/40 gestation, <24 hours old or TCB >250 µmol/L
What are the risks of neonatal jaundice
bilirubin crosses BBB
deposited in basal ganglia
= kernictus
causes bilirubin encephalopathy
What are the signs of kernictus
irritability
high pitched cry
coma
What are the long term consequences of kernictus
deafness
cerebral palsy
What are the treatments of neonatal jaundice?
phototherapy - if libilrubin level above treatment line
exchange transfusion - via umbilical artery or vein. Indicated when there are clinical features and signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy or the level/rate of rise of bilirubin indicates necessity based on threshold graphs. This will require admission to an intensive care bed.
IV immunoglobulin - used as adjunct to intensified phototherapy in rhesus haemolytic disease or ABO haemolytic disease.