PGI Workshop Focuses on Infection Prevention, Reducing Newborn Mortality

Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh has revealed concerning data on newborn mortality rates and infections during a two-day workshop on neonatal sepsis at the Advanced Paediatric Centre.

The data revealed that PGIMER sees around 5,000 births annually. In 2023, the hospital recorded 5,226 births, of which 214 newborns passed away. Infections were identified as the cause of 60 of these deaths, making up 28% of the total mortality.

Premature Births and Their Role in Neonatal Mortality

"Neonatal sepsis" refers to a severe bacterial bloodstream infection that occurs in a newborn baby, which can lead to serious health complications or even death if not treated promptly. Dr. Shiv Sajan Saini from PGIMER explained that premature babies are at a significantly higher risk of developing serious infections shortly after birth due to their underdeveloped immune systems.

Also Read: PGI Chandigarh to Introduce QR Code-Based Feedback System for patients

Premature babies are at a heightened risk due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Their skin and mucous membranes are thinner, which makes it easier for microbes to enter the body. Additionally, premature and low-birth-weight babies often undergo necessary procedures, such as blood sample collection and the insertion of cannulas into their veins, which further elevate the risk of infections.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), severe infections are responsible for one-third of newborn deaths in developing countries. In India, 50-80% of newborn sepsis cases in hospitals are caused by such bacteria, which has worsened due to the overuse of antibiotics. Additionally, fungal infections are on the rise, further compounding the problem for newborns.

Dr. Ramesh Agarwal, a neonatologist from AIIMS, New Delhi, shared that India witnesses approximately 6 lakh newborn deaths each year out of the 2.6 crore births, with premature birth, asphyxia (when a baby fails to cry after birth), and infections being the primary causes.

He stressed the need for holistic approaches to reduce newborn mortality, including adequate maternal nutrition, the promotion of breastfeeding, and ensuring a three-year gap between pregnancies. These steps are crucial in reducing the risks to newborns and improving infant survival rates.

The event was attended by over 100 pediatricians and neonatal specialists who discussed ways to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.

Also Read: PGI Doctor Identifies New Ankle Fracture, Names It Patel-Sharma Fracture Fragment

The Role of Breastfeeding in Preventing Infections

According to Hindustan Times, Dr Jeeva Sankar from AIIMS highlighted that breastfeeding helped build the newborn’s immunity and reduced the impact of infections. Even in the intensive care unit, it was made sure to provide mother’s milk to the baby, he said, adding, “Mother’s milk should be given exclusively to the baby for the first six months as it helps in building immunity and also benefits brain development.”

During the workshop, panelists discussed various best practices to prevent hospital-acquired infections in NICUs, including visitation policies by family members and the role of mother’s milk in preventing infections caused by vascular devices, ventilators, and catheters.

Expansion of Neonatal Care Facilities at PGIMER

In response to the increasing demand for neonatal care, PGIMER is expanding its infrastructure. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at PGIMER, which currently accommodates 22 beds, will soon increase its capacity to 105 beds with the opening of the new Advanced Mother and Child Care building later this year. This expansion is expected to provide much-needed support for the increasing number of babies requiring critical care.