Septicemia of the Newborn

Abstract

The problem of neonatal septicemia has been considered and pertinent literature reviewed. Criteria for the diagnosis of this disease modified from the criteria of Silverman and Homan are presented. Fifteen cases of septicemia occurring in the neonatal period are presented. The clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and bacterial etiology are considered and compared to those previously reported. Early diagnosis and intensive broadspectrum antibiotic therapy resulted in the cure of 13 of 15 cases. There were 2 deaths. The significance of these observations and the pathogenic mechanisms involved in this disease are discussed.