NEONATAL SEPTICEMIA IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract
There were 29 cases of neonatal septicemia from Saudi Arabia described. A high incidence of prematurity (45%) and congenital malformations (45%) were found as predisposing factors. The mortality was 45%, mainly due to severe malformations and late referrals. Of the cases 31% grew Salmonella enteritidis; 1 case of Bacteroides fragilis septicemia and meningitis was reported. Only 2 of the organisms isolated were sensitive to ampicillin. The importance of doing studies on neonatal septicemia on a local basis is stressed.