Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

Sepsis is still one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among newborns, especially premature ones. This thesis focuses first on this particular population of patiens, from a physiological and problematical point of view, then on sepsis, as disease which is distinguished in various shapes caused by different microorganisms. The goal, however, is to analyze the main methods of preventing sepsis passing through hands washing, skin care, proper use and maintenance of intravascular devices, nutrition, administration of fluconazole, probiotics, lactoferrin and correct management of the department. Hand washing is the most effective method to neutralize microorganisms, especially when performed with alcohol-based solutions, but to make prevention effective is also necessary to maintain the sterility of infusive lines, as well as the site of insertion of central venous catheters and peripheral ones, lower the microbial level in the skin, practicing the bath and medicating the umbilical cord using alcohol. Breastfeeding is integral part of the prevention because of the presence therein of substances with anti-infective action, such as lactoferrin. Among drugs probiotics and fluconazole play an important role: the first increase tolerance to food for mouth reducing the risk of intestinal diseases and the second reduces the incidence of various types of candida; while the use of antibiotics has to be as limited as possible and targeted to reduce the resistances. At last, but still important, there is the proper management of the department in terms of cleaning up the environment, fair nurse-patient ratios and parental involvement in daily practices.