Etiology and predisposing factors of Septic arthritis in neonatal intensive care unit

Septic arthritis in neonates remains a serious disease with the potential for significant systemic and musculoskeletal morbidity. Microbial invasion of the synovial space occurs typically results from hematogenous seeding, Diagnosis in neonates can be difficult since the clinical signs are much less specific in these age groups. This is largely because of the absence of signs and symptoms secondary to immature immune system. So, they do not have the usual inflammatory response that creates the signs and symptoms so important for early diagnosis, Because of its seriousness, septic arthritis should be treated aggressively with parentral antibiotics once it was suspected by the physician. Prolonged and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is warranted to achieve optimal results. The aim of present study was to identify the causative organisms of neonatal septic arthritis and their antibiotic sensitivity to role in the effective management of neonatal septic arthritis and to make a right choice for the empiric antibiotic therapy before blood culture. This study was conducted on: 50 neonates diagnosed as septic arthritis based on clinical picture, laboratory investigation, blood culture, culture from joint aspirate and radiological. These neonates were divided into two groups according to gestational age: Group I– full term group: 29 neonates, 16 male and 13 female.Group II - preterm group: 21 neonates, 6 male and 15 female.