OBJECTIVESTo determine the incidence and outcome of severe sepsis in Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to characterize their demographics and infection pattern.

METHODSCharacteristics of 243 newborns admitted to NICU from June 1st, 2006 to May 31st, 2007 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSAnalysis of data derived from 243 newborns admitted to NICU over an 1-year period with 48 (19.8%) cases diagnosed as severe sepsis, and 70.8% of them were males. The median age of severe sepsis patients was 2 (1-6 ) days. In 56.3% of the patients bacteria were isolated, and E. coli was the predominant microbe. PRISM score and mortality rate were higher in those with severe sepsis, while their Apgar score was lower than other cases. The overall hospital mortality of severe sepsis was 45.8%. Risk factors for hospital mortality included higher PRISM score, severe organ dysfunction, circulatory system dysfunction, and hematological or central nervous system dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that severe sepsis is a common, frequently fatal morbid condition in critical ill newborns in NICU, showing similar disease pattern with other investigations. Further multiple-center investigations are helpful to prevent, control and salvage critically ill children suffering from severe sepsis.