Evelien Verstraete

Prediction models for neonatal health care-associated sepsis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Blood culture is the gold standard to diagnose bloodstream infection but is usually time-consuming. Prediction models aim to facilitate early preliminary diagnosis and treatment. We systematically reviewed prediction models for health care–associated bloodstream infection (HABSI) in neonates, identified superior models, and pooled clinical predictors. Data sources: LibHub, PubMed, and Web of Science. METHODS: The studies included designed prediction models for laboratory-confirmed HABSI or sepsis. The target population was a consecutive series of neonates with suspicion of sepsis hospitalized for ≥48 hours. Clinical predictors had to be recorded at time of or before culturing. Methodologic quality of the studies was assessed. Data extracted included population characteristics, total suspected and laboratory-confirmed episodes and definition, clinical parameter definitions and odds ratios, and diagnostic accuracy parameters. RESULTS: The systematic search revealed 9 articles with 12 prediction models representing 1295 suspected and 434 laboratory-confirmed sepsis episodes. Models exhibit moderate-good methodologic quality, large pretest probability range, and insufficient diagnostic accuracy. Random effects meta-analysis showed that lethargy, pallor/mottling, total parenteral nutrition, lipid infusion, and postnatal corticosteroids were predictive for HABSI. Post hoc analysis with low-gestational-age neonates demonstrated that apnea/bradycardia, lethargy, pallor/mottling, and poor peripheral perfusion were predictive for HABSI. Limitations include clinical and statistical heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction models should be considered as guidance rather than an absolute indicator because they all have limited diagnostic accuracy. Lethargy and pallor and/or mottling for all neonates as well as apnea and/or bradycardia and poor peripheral perfusion for very low birth weight neonates are the most powerful clinical signs. However, the clinical context of the neonate should always be considered.

Risk factors for health care-associated sepsis in critically Ill neonates stratified by birth weight

Background: Health care–associated bloodstream infection (HABSI) is a frequent complication in neonatal intensive care. Research on risk factors stratified by birth weight and adjusted for severity of illness and comorbidities is limited. Our objective is to describe independent risk factors for HABSI in critically ill neonates with emphasis on risk variation between birth weight groups. Methods: We performed a single-center historical cohort study in a tertiary referral center. A neonatal intensive care-audit system was used to identify eligible neonates admitted for ≥72 hours (2002–2011). HABSI is defined according to National Institute of Child Health and Human Development criteria. Risk factors for HABSI were assessed by univariate and logistic regression analysis for the total cohort and for birth weight subgroups, that is, neonates ⩽1500 g and >1500 g. Results: A total of 342 neonates developed HABSI in 5134 admissions of ≥72 hours (6.7%). Very low birth weight, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), mechanical ventilation, gastrointestinal disease, surgery (cardiac and other type), and renal insufficiency are independent risk factors for the total cohort. Gastrointestinal disease and cardiac surgery are independent risk factors in both birth weight groups; mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6; confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–4.0) and other type of surgery (OR: 4.3; CI: 2.1–8.8) are solely independent risk factors in the ⩽1500-g cohort; TPN is exclusively an independent risk factor (OR: 7.9; CI: 3.9–16.2) in the >1500-g cohort. Conclusions: In our neonatal intensive care unit, risk stratification by birth weight revealed some difference. Special attention concerning infection control practices is for neonates receiving TPN, mechanical ventilation, cardiac surgery, and with a gastrointestinal disease.

Clinical utility of repeated blood culture sampling in critically ILL neonates

Repeated blood culture sampling is common in critically ill neonates though precise indications are unknown.