Multicentre external validation of the Neonatal Healthcare-associated infectiOn Prediction (NeoHoP) score: a retrospective case-control study.

Background And Objectives: Neonatal mortality due to severe bacterial infections is a pressing global issue, especially in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) with constrained healthcare resources. This study aims to validate the Neonatal Healthcare-associated infectiOn Prediction (NeoHoP) score, designed for LMICs, across diverse neonatal populations.

Methods: Prospective data from three South African neonatal units in the Neonatal Sepsis Observational (NeoOBS) study were analysed.

Development and internal validation of a Neonatal Healthcare-associated infectiOn Prediction score (NeoHoP score) for very low birthweight infants in low-resource settings: a retrospective case-control study.

Background And Objectives: Early diagnosis of neonatal infection is essential to prevent serious complications and to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. The prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants is 20%; and the mortality in low-resource settings can be as high as 70%. This study aimed to develop an Infection Prediction Score to diagnose bacterial HAIs.

Colistin use in a carbapenem-resistant outbreak at a South African neonatal unit.

Background: Colistin is increasingly prescribed for neonates with carbapenem-resistant (CRE) infections.

Objectives: We described patient demographics, infection episodes, treatment and clinical outcomes, colistin related adverse events and relatedness of isolates in neonates with clinically confirmed or clinically suspected CRE infections.

Method: The authors retrospectively reviewed culture-confirmed and clinically suspected culture-negative CRE infections at a South African neonatal unit during a CRE outbreak.

Healthcare-associated Infections in Very Low Birth-weight Infants in a South African Neonatal Unit: Disease Burden, Associated Factors and Short-term Outcomes.

Background: Infection is a leading cause of death among very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants in resource-limited settings.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) episodes among VLBW infants from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. The epidemiology, causative organisms and short-term outcomes were analyzed.

Performance Comparison of Infection Prediction Scores in a South African Neonatal Unit: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background And Objectives: Infection prediction scores are useful ancillary tests in determining the likelihood of neonatal hospital-acquired infection (HAI), particularly in very low birth weight (VLBW; <1,500 g) infants who are most vulnerable to HAI and have high antibiotic utilization rates. None of the existing infection prediction scores were developed for or evaluated in South African VLBW neonates.

Methods: We identified existing infection prediction scores through literature searches and assessed each score for suitability and feasibility of use in resource-limited settings.

The Pharmacokinetics of Crushed Levetiracetam Tablets Administered to Neonates.

Background: Intravenous phenobarbital remains the first-line therapy in the management of neonatal seizures. Shortages of intravenous phenobarbital in South Africa necessitated the addition of oral levetiracetam as part of management of neonatal seizures.

Objective: We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of crushed immediate-release levetiracetam tablets administered to neonates to terminate seizures.

Optimal Ventilation and Surfactant Therapy in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants in Resource-Restricted Regions.

In resource-restricted regions, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) data are often underreported, making the determination of effective interventions and their outcome difficult. The combination of oxygen, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and surfactant therapy has the potential to prevent 42% of RDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, despite the financial implications. This article provides a brief overview on the status of RDS management, mainly nasal CPAP and surfactant therapy in very-low-birth-weight infants, in resource-restricted regions of sub-Saharan Africa.