The Incubator #263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Rethinking Neonatal Sepsis and Antibiotic Stewardship
Dec 9, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Martin Stocker, a leading expert in neonatal sepsis and head of neonatology at the Children’s Hospital of Central Switzerland, shares invaluable insights. He highlights the difficulty of diagnosing sepsis in newborns and addresses the critical issue of antibiotic overuse in this vulnerable group. Dr. Stocker emphasizes the need for improved clinical guidelines and the use of biomarkers like IL-6. His conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between tackling sepsis and minimizing antibiotic exposure, offering a fresh perspective on infant care.
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Neonatal Sepsis Management
- Neonatal sepsis identification is challenging, and antibiotic overuse is a concern.
- Balancing sepsis risk with long-term antibiotic consequences is crucial.
Loss Aversion in Sepsis Management
- Doctors prioritize avoiding immediate sepsis due to loss aversion, neglecting long-term antibiotic effects.
- This dichotomy leads to over-prescribing antibiotics, prioritizing short-term outcomes.
Fear-Driven Antibiotic Use
- Fear of sepsis is a significant driver of antibiotic over-prescription in neonates.
- “Playing safe” with antibiotics may be suitable short-term but poses long-term risks.