A case control study of maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal Sepsis is a significant leading cause of infant death around the world, particularly in developing nations. The study aimed to identify maternal and neonatal risk factors linked to neonatal sepsis. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in the ICU. Cases were neonates diagnosed as having sepsis by clinical criteria and laboratory findings. Controls were admitted neonates who were neither suspected nor diagnosed with sepsis. Data on mothers and babies, as well as laboratory findings, were gathered and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 174 cases and 348 controls were included in the study. Maternal age, parity, route of delivery, PROM, prematurity, birth weight, neonatal gender and age were significantly associated with the risk of sepsis (p < 0.05). However, the bivariate logistic model revealed that the most influential predictors of neonatal sepsis were premature rupture of membranes, Gestational age, Neonatal age, birth weight, and mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: Both maternal and neonatal variables were found to have a significant association with the risk of neonatal sepsis; thus, empowering mothers to pursue antenatal care may allow the detection of risk factors for undesirable delivery consequences such as neonatal sepsis, as well as appropriate management to mitigate those risks.