Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis with Premature Rupture of Membranes in Preterm Neonates

Objectives: To determine the frequency of early onset neonatal sepsis with premature rupture of membranes in preterm babies in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Neonates of singleton pregnancies complicated by premature rupture of membranes with delivery occurring between 30 and 36 weeks gestation were included in the study. The frequency of neonatal sepsis was assessed based on clinical and laboratory parameters. Incidence of sepsis in relation to gestational age and duration of rupture of membranes was studied. Results: Out of 60 babies, 38(63%) were female and 22(37%) were male. Mean maternal age was 24 years (range 18-35years). Mean gestational age was 34 weeks (30-36weeks). Sepsis was suspected in 26(43%) babies on clinical examination. C-reactive protein raise was observed in 13 (22%) neonates. There was statistically significant difference between clinical versus laboratory diagnosis (p=0.000). Frequency of neonatal sepsis was significantly higher in mothers with longer duration of rupture of membranes (p=0.041). Conclusion: Frequency of neonatal sepsis was observed to be 22% of babies. Frequency also increased with longer duration of rupture of membranes. Incidence of sepsis is more in early preterm. premature rupture of membranes is an important risk factor for early onset neonatal sepsis.