Study of renal profile in septicemic neonates

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis can cause multiorgan involvement causing neonatal morbidity and mortality. The kidneys are an important organ affected in septicemic newborns. In this study we evaluated the renal functions and its association with various risk factors along with outcome in septicemic neonates.

Methods: This study was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The sample size was 276 cases of septicemic new-borns and study duration was 2 years. The profile of acute renal failure (ARF) and various risk factors were studied in a sample of 276 septicemic neonates. Detailed clinical examination and investigations were done to confirm the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and the occurrence of ARF was studied among these septicemic newborns. Risk factors like birth weight, gestational age, shock, etiological agents, DIC were studied for the occurrence of ARF and mortality in ARF patients among septicemic neonates.

Results: 30.07% of septicemic neonates developed ARF. DIC (p value=0.014), shock (p value=<0.0001), gestational age (p value=0.005), birth weight (p value=0.003), were found to be analytically significant for the occurrence of ARF. Birth weight (p value=0.006), age of onset of sepsis (p value=0.019), shock (p value =<0.0001), oliguria (p value =<0.0001), and DIC (p value=0.015) were significant predictors of mortality in ARF among septicemic neonates.

Conclusions: Awareness and early identification of various risk factors and ARF in septicemic neonates can prevent morbidity and mortality among neonates.