Perinatal infections in Ukraine: results of a multicenter study

Abstract

The aim: To obtain the estimates of the сurrent incidence rate of perinatal infections, risk factors, as well as their associated impact on mortality and determine the antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens in Ukraine. Materials and methods: We performed a multicentre retrospective cohort study was based on surveillance data. This study included infants aged 0 to 6 days delivered in 2017-2019 at 11 Ukrainian regional perinatal centers. Definitions of perinatal infections and mortality were used from the CDC/WHO/UNICEF. Results: Of 18,348 liveborn infants, 472 (2.6%) perinatal infections were detected. The incidence of perinatal infection was 25.7 per 1000 live births. The most frequently identified types of infections were: bloodstream infections, 35.6 %, lower respiratory tract infections, 21.4%, Meningitis, 18.2%, Conjunctivitis, 11.9%, skin and soft tissue infections, 6.6%, Dacryocystitis, 3.8%, and urinary tract infections, 2.5%. Early mortality rates from perinatai infections was 51.1%, with an incidence of 13.1 deaths/1000 live births. Potential risk factors the development of perinatal infections and mortality were low birth weight, prematurity, low gestasional age, mode of delivery (manual aid), premature rupture of membranes, preterm premature rupture of membranes, prolonged rupture of membranes, turbid and meconeal amniotic fluid, infection of the mother during labor. resuscitation during delivery, invasive procedure, asphyxia. Main causative agents of perinatal infections were Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, CoNS, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions: This study showing that the high incidence rate of perinatal bacterial infections, as well as their associated impact on mortality, and presents a significant burden to the Ukraine.