What does the term "general infection" mean in a preemie?

I don’t know, but I sent this to some who might. Just wanted to say that I’ll be renewing my green light vigil for him.

@JilltheTooth Thanks much. I’m not familiar with the term. But then again I’m learning about crap I hope no one ever has to learn about. This sucks.

I’m so sorry @Adirondackwannabe. I will be sending positive thoughts to your nephew.

“A general infection (sepsis: blood-borne infection) often develops in preemies because their immature immune systems mean it is difficult to stop infections from spreading. Septic infants are generally critically ill and infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.”

Preemie Help

@marinelife Thanks, I figured the docs were sugarcoating it. I feel terrible what this is doing to the parents. What a miserable motherfucking experience.

(I am a NICU data analyst)
It probably means that he is showing generalized signs of infection, but they have not isolated a specific bacteria. It could be anything from increased temp and respiratory rate to something “bigger” than that. I doubt they are sugar-coating it. NICU docs are typically very matter-of-fact (if he was septic and might die, they would have told that to the parents so that they could prepare themselves and the baby).

My friend had twins born at 24 weeks and at one point was told “your baby has E. coli growing in her blood. She is the sickest baby in the unit and might die.”

The only real issue with not isolating a specific bacteria in this case is that they cannot know for sure what antibiotics to use, so they will probably use a couple of antibiotics to cover a broad range.

This happens often in preemies. Please don’t take internet searches out of context. If he is critically ill, the doctors have an obligation to tell the parents.

I’m sorry for the parents/family. This is that roller-coaster that preemies ride for months.

@Cupcake Thank you. That was a nice piece of news. Yeah, it’s been a rollercoaster ride, the rollercoaster from hell. Thanks for your input. :)

I’m not sure what it means. I’d need more information to comment.