Question of the Week

Question

Question :

Posted On : 29 Jun 2025

A newborn (FTND with good cry) on day 2 is having fever with excessive, inconsolable crying episodes. However, in between the episodes of crying, he takes feed normally. His cry is neg, tlc 20000 dlc wnl. How to differentiate between septicemia and convulsions?

Expert Answer :

Answer Discussion :

G

Gladys Yonah

0

viral infection

22 Days ago

B

BARAWAANI CHANNAL

1

fever and irritability it's early onset of neonatal sepsis

22 Days ago

P

Prakash Nagar

0

Taking feeds between the episodes is against septicemia. It is seizure activity. Increase body temp may have some other reason though it may occur due to seizure activity if it is only during the episode or immediately after the episode. Look for any signs of dehydration, surrounding atmosphere temp, etc . Still it is recommended to rule out infection by blood-work.

25 Days ago

H

Hafizullah

1

English: Difference between septicemia and convulsions in a newborn

?? Septicemia:

Fever is usually persistent.

Baby may have poor feeding consistently, even between crying episodes.

Baby can appear lethargic, irritable, with mottled or pale skin.

Other signs: respiratory distress, abnormal movements, bulging fontanelle.

?? Convulsions:

Episodes of sudden abnormal movements, jerking or stiffness.

Eye deviation, lip smacking, or abnormal posturing can occur.

Between convulsive episodes, baby can feed normally.

Fever may or may not be present.

27 Days ago

M

MarideeKaye Hunter

0

sepsis...fever

27 Days ago

Answer 1

One is Clinical: A child with septicaemia is usually sick looking where whereas a child with convulsions is well in between episodes, and during convulsions the heart rate, resp all change. The baby may become unresponsive. Then is the biochemical: in Septicaemia, CRP will be raised, Full blood count will reveal leucocytosis, and blood culture may grow some bugs. In convulsions, it is worth checking blood sugar, calcium, and magnesium.

Question of the Week

Home

Partner Sites