Profile of Perinatal Infections Among Abandoned Neonates Admitted in a Tertiary Hospital in Oman

Abstract

Objectives: Little is known about the profile of perinatal infections among abandoned neonates, and there are no specific evidence-based guidelines on how to screen and manage these neonates. This study aimed to report the rate of perinatal infections among abandoned babies managed at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, over 15 years (2006–2021). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all abandoned babies admitted at SQUH from January 2006 to December 2021. Demographic data, the area where they were found, anthropometric parameters, symptoms, investigations and management were included in the study. Results: Of the 20 neonates included in this study, 11 (55%) were male and 9 (45%) were female; only 1 baby looked preterm. The estimated median age at admission was 1 day, while the median length of hospitalisation was 30 days. Infectious disease screening was not optimal for syphilis. Among the babies who were tested for perinatal infections such as HIV (n = 20), syphilis (n = 7), hepatitis B (n = 20) and hepatitis C (n = 19), none tested positive and all babies received the hepatitis B vaccine. Overall, 13 out of 20 babies received antibiotics for presumed sepsis. Zidovudine was given prophylactically to 3 neonates until the HIV test result was received. A total of 2 neonates were managed for gastroenteritis, 2 for sepsis and 1 for pneumonia; no death was recorded. Conclusion: A national protocol on what should be included in the screening and how to manage these babies is urgently needed to avoid adverse outcomes in this disadvantaged population.