Epidemiology and risk factors associated with early onset neonatal sepsis in the south of KSA

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the epidemiology of early onset sepsis (EOS) and its associated risk factors in a tertiary healthcare centre in the south of KSA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of neonates diagnosed with EOS at King Fahad Central Hospital (KFCH), Jazan, KSA. Data on the incidence, causative organisms, and related risk factors for EOS were collected. RESULTS: The incidence of EOS in our sample was 4.44 per 1,000 live births during the study period. The most frequently isolated organisms from neonates were E. coli (29%), Group B streptococcus (GBS) (17%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (11%). The gestational age and weight at birth of neonates who died within a week compared to those who survived were statistically different (p values < 0.05). Finally, the percentage of neonates found to be infected with E. coli was higher among neonates with either an extremely low birth weight or very low birth weight (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a higher incidence of EOS in KFCH in the Jazan region compared to similar clinical settings in KSA. Identifying pre-term birth weight and low birth weight as possible risk factors of early mortality of infants with EOS may necessitate the need for reassessment of antenatal care services in the region.