Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings in late-onset neonatal sepsis at a neonatal intensive care unit in Vietnam. A prospective cross-sectional observational study

Background and objectives. Late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) is one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Early diagnosis is essential for treatment, prognosis, and mortality reduction. This study investigates the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of LOS. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 158 neonates with LOS hospitalized at the Neonatal Unit of Hue Central Hospital between May 2018 and September 2020. LOS is defined as sepsis occurring at or after 72 hours of life. Data on age, gender, clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests were analyzed. Results. One hundred and eight neonates with late-onset neonatal sepsis were enrolled in this study. Enterocolitis accounted for the highest percentage (32.9%), followed by pneumonia (29.7%) and omphalitis (17.7%). Bacterial meningitis accounted for 2.5%. Fever represented 58.9%, and there was no hypothermia. Anemia, leukocytosis, leukocytopenia, and C-reactive protein (CRP) positive results were found in 41.1%, 8.4%, 4.3%, and 18.4%, respectively. Bacterial cultures were positive in 12 (10.3%) of 117 neonates tested. Conclusions. The clinical signs and symptoms of late-onset neonatal sepsis should be considered an essential part of the early diagnosis of LOS. The routine laboratory findings varied, and bacterial cultures were positive in a small number of neonates. Therefore, we should monitor closely to detect and provide treatment appropriately.