Pediatrics 2027

Background: Neonatal sepsis (NS) is defined as a clinical syndrome of bacteremia with systemic signs and symptoms of infection in the first 4 weeks of life. Sepsis is the commonest cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, laboratory profile and outcome of sepsis in neonates admitted at the Buea Regional Hospital.

Materials and Methods: An ambispective study design was implemented at the Buea Regional Hospital, consisting of a retrospective arm (September 2025–March 2026) and a prospective cross-sectional arm (April–May 2026). Data from a cumulative sample of 344 hospitalized neonates were extracted, compiled in Microsoft Excel 2021, and analyzed using R version 4.6.0. Inferential statistics were computed utilizing the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test to compare clinical, obstetric, and biochemical variables between sepsis and non-sepsis groups, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Out of 205 retrospective admission files, 58 neonates met the clinical diagnostic criteria for sepsis, representing a period prevalence of 28.3% (95% CI: 22.5%–34.9%). In the prospective phase, 21 out of 139 neonates were diagnosed with sepsis, yielding a prevalence of 15.11% (95% CI: 9.2%–21.1%). Across both phases, the overall period prevalence was 22.97% (79/344). Sepsis was significantly associated with neonates aged 0–6 days (p = 0.004) Prospectively monitored neonates with sepsis exhibited significantly higher mean white blood cell counts (12.5 ± 4.2 x 10^9/L vs. 9.3 ± 2.1 x 10^9/L), elevated C-reactive protein (17.8 ± 13.8 mg/L vs. 3.6 ± 2.4 mg/L), elevated total bilirubin (8.8 ± 6.4 mg/dL vs. 7.7 ± 2.8 mg/dL), and higher fasting plasma glucose (73.4 ± 26.7 mg/dL vs. 56.4 ± 18.5 mg/dL) (all p

Nkwetta Fornyi Chuwa Ruth is a young healthcare and medical science enthusiast from Cameroon with a strong academic foundation in the sciences. Her educational background includes successful completion of the Cameroon GCE Advanced Level in the Science series. She has demonstrated an interest in healthcare, medical innovation, and opportunities that support knowledge exchange among young professionals.

She is associated with the University of Buea, Cameroon, and is developing her academic and professional interests within the healthcare and medical sciences field. Her interests include expanding her knowledge, engaging with healthcare professionals and researchers, and contributing to discussions focused on improving health and medical practice.