Understanding and optimizing outcome in neonates with sepsis and septic shock

Abstract

It is estimated that four million newborn infants die every year, of these 35% (1.6 million) die from sepsis [1]. Preterm infants are at greater risk of developing infection (often multiple) between birth and the first month of life compared to term infants. It is estimated that intra-uterine infection, a risk factor for developing severe infection, is present in up to 35% of preterm deliveries [2]. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media Inc.