Sepsis in newborn infants. Incidence, antibiotic, infection marker

PhD ceremony: Ms. S.D. Lusyati, 11.00 uur, Aula Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Sepsis in newborn infants. Incidence, antibiotic, infection marker

Promotor(s): prof. P.J.J. Sauer

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Neonatal sepsis is the most important problem in neonatal care, not only in developing countries but also in developed countries. Antibiotic drugs are often used in 2-3 days old children. Their choice is largely based on unspecific symptoms. Infection markers are needed to decrease the development of resistant bacteria. Cytokines MIP1a, IL-15 and IL-6 are promising markers to prove or disprove a bacterial infection in neonates.

The outbreak of neonatal sepsis in developing countries has close relation to low quality in preparing medical equipment, including infusion administration. Simple methods to increase the quality of infusion preparation and administration, as we did at NICU Harapan Kita Women and Children's hospital, has decreased dramatically the high rates of Seratia sepsis.