Role Of Antioxidants In Preterm Sepsis

Abstract

Neonatal sepsis 1s still a major and frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal period {Nicholas and Ann, 1998]. Although the advances in neonatal intensive care have

led to improved survival of very low birth weight infants, the late onset neonatal sepsis continues to be an important cause of morbidity and death among these infants, the risk of late onset infection increases with decreasing birth weight, decreasing gestational age, prolonged intravascular catheterization and with prolonged hospital stay {Barbara et aL, 1996]. Endotracheal tubes, alteration in the skin and mucus membrane barriers and frequent use of broad - spectrum antibiotics also predispose to neonatal sepsis {Samuel, 2000].

The human neonate may be considered an immuno­ compromized host with incomplete development of multiple component of immune system {Nicholas and Ann, 1998]. The preterm infants have lower levels of complement components and complement activity than fulterm newborns {Laurence, 2000]. Polymorphnuclear leucocytes function and opsonic capacity are significantly impaired in newborn child. Preterm