Endogenous and exogenous risk factors for infection of premature new-borns with pathogens of purulent-septic infections

Objective. To identify the endogenous and exogenous risk factors for infection with pathogens of purulent-septic infections (PSI) in premature newborns in an obstetric hospital according to the data of routine microbiological monitoring.

Materials and methods. A bacteriological examination of 220 newborns (169 premature and 51 full-term) in resuscitation and intensive care unit (RICU) of the perinatal center was conducted. The same children were sampled on the day of admission to the RICU and on the 4th day of treatment. Biomaterial from the mucous membranes of the pharynx, nose, conjunctiva and umbilical fold was investigated in each child. The total number of samples was 1760.

Results. The frequency of isolation of microorganisms from premature newborns increased from 32.9 to 95.3 per 100 samples by the 4th day. It was 1.7 times higher in premature newborns than in full-term newborns. A statistically significant increase in the frequency of the release of PSI pathogens in premature newborns was found. It depended on the type of somatic pathology (undifferentiated intrauterine infection, respiratory disorders syndrome, perinatal central nervous system damage, intranatal asphyxia) and medical procedures (umbilical vascular catheterization, artificial lung ventilation, inhalation therapy, probe feeding).

Conclusions. The increased risk of infection with PSI pathogens in premature newborns in the RICU of the perinatal center is due to endogenous and exogenous risk factors.