newborn septicemia

newborn baby 3 days old suffering from septicemia bold analysis CRP raised to 198 after hospitalized and managed by antibiotic IV ampicillin the CRP became 48 ,still on the ampicillin IV 5 times a day ,please any advice

[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

"Septicemia" means an infection of the bloodstream that causes the baby to have signs and symptoms of illness.  These infections are most commonly from bacteria, but can sometimes be from viruses.  Your baby has had tests to try and determine what type of infection he/she has.  Sometimes these tests are able to reveal the exact type of bacteria or virus, but there are also times when the tests are negative even if the baby does have septicemia.  You can discuss with your baby's doctors the results of any tests they have ordered.

Treatment of septicemia requires the use of antibiotics or antiviral medications and general supportive care: making sure the breathing is supported, and the blood pressure and blood chemistries are normal.

Ampicillin is used for many cases of septicemia.  The fact that the CRP is decreasing is a good sign.  It is more important that your baby clinically improve on the antibiotic treatment, although this may take some days before the clinical improvement is apparent.