Sepsis bei frühgeborenen mit einem sehr niedrigen geburtsgewicht

The incidence of severe systemic infections in preterm infants with a birth weight below 1,500 g (VLBW, very low birth weight) is still high. We evaluated the published data regarding epidemiology, risk-factors and prevention strategies of sepsis in VLBW infants and present the results of a multicenter surveillance study including 16 neonatal centers which was the basis for establishing the German Neonatal Network (GNN). 2.433 VLBW preterm infants were enrolled between 2003 and 2008. Birth weight and gestational age proved to be crucial risk factors of blood-culture positive sepsis in VLBW infants as well as the need for therapeutic interventions such as mechanical ventilation and need for central venous catheters. Thus optimal hygiene standards and reduction of therapeutic interventions are effective in preventing late-onset sepsis in VLBW infants.