Two-day Workshop on neonatal sepsis at PGI to begin today

A two-day workshop on neonatal sepsis will be held at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on March 8 and 9.

Organised by the Newborn Unit, Department of Pediatrics, the event aims to address the rising concerns around infections in newborns.

The workshop will be inaugurated by PGIMER Director Vivek Lal, with Praveen Kumar as the chairperson of the Organising Committee. Key experts participating include Ramesh Agarwal, Dr M Jeeva Sankar from New Delhi and Dr Nandkishor Kabra from Mumbai, among others.

Neonatal sepsis, a severe infection in newborns, remains a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, nearly one-third of newborn deaths in developing nations are due to infections.

The problem is exacerbated by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with 50-80% of hospital cases in India linked to such strains.

The workshop will focus on the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment, including molecular biology techniques and refined blood culture methods.

The first day of the workshop will cover diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and infection prevention, along with hands-on training using neonatal mannequins. The second day will delve into organ-specific infections, antibiotic resistance, and real case discussions.

Experts will also highlight preventive measures, such as exclusive breastfeeding, hygiene practices, and early medical intervention.

Timely diagnosis and treatment, they further went on to emphasise, can save many newborn lives.