Neonatal Sepsis Treatment in India
About Neonatal Sepsis
Key Highlights
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Immediate, life-saving intervention for a critical condition in newborns.Managed by specialized neonatologists in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) setting.Utilizes rapid diagnostic tests to identify the specific bacteria or pathogen causing the infection.Involves targeted intravenous antibiotic therapy to effectively combat the infection.Provides comprehensive supportive care including fluid management, respiratory support, and nutritional assistance.Aims to prevent serious complications like meningitis, organ failure, and long-term neurological damage.liClose monitoring of vital signs and response to treatment ensures tailored care for each infant./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Infants born prematurely (preterm birth), especially before 37 weeks of gestation.
- Prolonged rupture of membranes (more than 18 hours before delivery).
- Maternal infection during delivery (e.g., chorioamnionitis, Group B Streptococcus).
- Low birth weight or very low birth weight infants.
- Presence of clinical signs such as fever, hypothermia, lethargy, poor feeding, or respiratory distress.
- Abnormal laboratory findings like high or low white blood cell count, elevated C-reactive protein, or positive blood culture.
- Infants requiring invasive procedures like umbilical catheterization shortly after birth.
How to prepare
- Immediate admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for continuous monitoring.
- Collection of blood samples via heel stick or venous draw for culture, CBC, and other tests.
- Establishment of secure intravenous (IV) access for administration of antibiotics and fluids.
- Thorough physical examination by the neonatologist to assess vital signs and overall condition.
- Possible lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to rule out meningitis, if clinically indicated.
- Stabilization of the infant's breathing and circulation with oxygen or ventilator support if needed.
- Informing and counseling parents about the suspected diagnosis, required tests, and treatment plan.
Risks & possible complications
- Adverse reactions to antibiotics, including allergic reactions or impact on kidney function.
- Difficulty with IV access leading to tissue damage or infection at the site.
- Potential for the infection to spread, leading to meningitis, pneumonia, or osteomyelitis.
- Risk of septic shock, a severe drop in blood pressure requiring intensive support.
- Organ dysfunction or failure, particularly of the kidneys, liver, or lungs.
- Long-term neurological complications such as hearing loss, vision problems, or developmental delays if the infection affects the brain.
- Complications from prolonged hospital stay, including hospital-acquired infections.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Continuous monitoring in the NICU until the infection is controlled and the infant is stable.
- IV antibiotics are typically continued for 7-14 days, depending on the pathogen and response.
- Regular blood tests to monitor infection markers and ensure the antibiotics are effective.
- Gradual weaning from respiratory or cardiovascular support as the infant improves.
- Establishment of full oral feeding, often starting with tube feeds and progressing to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Close follow-up after discharge to monitor growth, development, and check for any late-onset complications.
- Parental education on signs of recurring illness and the importance of scheduled vaccinations.
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Typical hospital stay:
10-28 days
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Expected recovery time:
Several weeks to months for full recovery and developmental follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering neonatal sepsis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with neonatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform neonatal sepsis. MediFyr helps you compare neonatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for neonatal sepsis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 10-28 days | ~ Several weeks to months for full recovery and developmental follow-up | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 10-28 days | ~ Several weeks to months for full recovery and developmental follow-up | Know More |
Neha Singh is a 28-year-old first-time...
Neha Singh is a 28-year-old first-time mother who had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery at 39 weeks. Her son, Arjun, was born healthy but at 36 hours old became lethargic, had difficulty feeding, and developed a fever. His breathing became rapid and shallow. The pediatrician noted mottled skin and poor tone. The neonatologist, Dr. Rao, explained that Arjun's symptoms were highly concerning for neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening bloodstream infection. He recommended immediate admission to the NICU for a full sepsis workup (blood, urine, and CSF cultures) and to start intravenous antibiotics and fluids without delay. Arjun spent 7 days in the NICU. The lumbar puncture was the hardest part for Neha to hear about. He was placed under a warmer, connected to monitors, and had an IV line. After 48 hours, his blood culture grew Group B Streptococcus, confirming the diagnosis. His antibiotics were tailored, and he slowly began to improve, becoming more alert and feeding better. After a 10-day course of IV antibiotics, Arjun was discharged home, healthy and gaining weight. Follow-up showed normal development. Neha's emotional journey was one of terror and guilt, wondering if something she did caused the infection. Seeing her tiny son surrounded by wires was heartbreaking. The empathy and clear communication from the NICU team were her anchor. After the positive response to treatment, her fear turned to profound relief and gratitude. She now cherishes every milestone, feeling they overcame their first great challenge together.
Neonatologists for Neonatal Sepsis
Explore experienced neonatologists who regularly perform neonatal sepsis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 22 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 18 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
- 18 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
- 18 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 15 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 15 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 15 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 11 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
- 10 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 11 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 23 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 10 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 10 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- Neonatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon