Abstract

Background: Sepsis and septic shock cases in the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
and Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) remain one of the most significant causes of
morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. Therefore, studying and comparing the
clinical features and outcomes of pediatric patients with sepsis in ICUs are important,
especially in developing countries.
Methods: From 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021, we have collected data from both of
our pediatric ICU and neonatal ICU of Shyam Shah Medical College using a preformed
proforma. Complete blood count, C - reactive protein and culture sensitivity reports
were used to diagnose or screen sepsis. We compared clinical features, laboratory data,
microbiologic results, and final outcome for patients with sepsis in both NICU and
PICU.
Results: A total 1509 and 236 cases with sepsis from both NICU and PICU respectively
are included in the study (mean duration of stay in NICU 8.9 days±4.3; in PICU 12.5
days±5.3). Among these cases, culture positive cases with sepsis were 66% and 28% in
NICU and PICU respectively. Common pathogens isolated from blood cultures were E.
coli and pseudomonas in NICU and E.coli and S. aureus in PICU. Mortality, discharges,
refers and Left against medical advice cases were compared as outcomes in our study.
Comparing with NICU (n=24, 10.1%), mortality due to sepsis in PICU (n=111, 7.3%)
was less.
Conclusion: Sepsis in children both in NICU and PICU is associated with high mortality
despite aggressive treatment strategies, but more in NICU. Early recognition and
prompt treatment is the key to improve outcome of sepsis.