Differences in innate immunity and cytokine response may predispose neonates to the harmful effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, leading to severe organ dysfunction and sequelae during infection and inflammation. In the neonate, there are multiple developmental alterations in both the response to pathogens and the response to treatment that distinguish this age group from adults.
Sepsis is especially devastating in the neonatal population, as it is one of the leading causes of death for hospitalized infants.
Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates and adults, and the mortality rate doubles in patients who develop cardiovascular dysfunction and septic shock.
