Frequency of Urinary Tract Infection in Neonates Presenting with Neonatal Sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening condition, continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates, despite advances in treatment. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant concern in neonates, as they can either occur independently or as part of sepsis. This study aims to explore the prevalence of neonatal sepsis and its association with UTI in neonates at a hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2018 at the Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, enrolling 105 neonates aged 1-28 days who exhibited clinical signs of either early- or late-onset sepsis. Demographic details, clinical features, and laboratory investigations, including urine cultures, were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with categorical variables analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Among the 105 neonates, 10.48% (n=11) were diagnosed with UTI. A significant gender difference was observed, with more females (8/11) affected compared to males (3/11). The incidence of UTI was higher in neonates with late-onset sepsis (LOS) compared to early-onset sepsis (EOS). No significant difference in UTI occurrence was found based on age or gestational age (P>0.05). The study observed a significant association between gender and UTI in neonatal sepsis (P=0.02). Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis is commonly associated with UTIs, with a higher prevalence in female neonates. Early identification and management of UTIs in neonates with sepsis are crucial for improving clinical outcomes. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and establish effective management protocols for neonatal sepsis and UTI.