Reduction in late-onset sepsis on relocating a neonatal intensive care nursery

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this study were to compare rates of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in very preterm or very low birthweight infants before and after relocation to a new nursery and to determine risk factors for LOS. Methods: The study was undertaken at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, which relocated to a new site in June 2008. Infants with birthweight <1500 g or 48 h after birth and was categorised as definite, probable, uncertain or no sepsis. Results: Overall, 117 infants had 218 septic episodes. The proportion of infants with clinical LOS decreased from 29.5% in 2007 to 22.4% in 2008 after the relocation, although this was not statistically significant. There was a significant (P < 0.05)..