Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of neonatal sepsis per 1,000 live births, identify the prevalence of causative pathogens, and examine hematological differences between Gram-negative and Gram-positive neonatal sepsis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, at Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital (AQWCH), UAE. Neonates admitted to the NICU with positive blood cultures were included and categorized as early-onset (EONS) or late-onset (LONS) sepsis. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated per 1,000 live births with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Univariate logistic regression was initially performed to identify potential factors associated with Gram-negative versus Gram-positive sepsis. Variables with p 10 mg/L) (aOR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.34–7.64, p = 0.009) were independently associated with Gram-negative sepsis. Conclusion: The incidence of neonatal sepsis aligns with other high-income countries. Hematological abnormalities, including low WBC and platelet counts and elevated CRP, were strongly associated with Gram-negative sepsis, suggesting pathogen-specific responses and potentially greater disease severity.
Almilhem et al. (Sun,) studied this question.