Neonatal mortality represents about 70% of the infant mortality rate in Brazil, and sepsis is the national infant leading cause of death, especially in preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Recently, American data from the National Institute of Health showed a rate of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) of 13.9/1000 VLBW live birth. The associated clinical signs are nonspecific, which hinders the diagnosis and often leads to the overuse administration of antibiotics. Antimicrobial agents are the drugs most prescribed in neonatal intensive care units. Their inappropriate or excessive use is associated with serious adverse effects related to an alteration of the normal microbiota, such as the selection of multi-resistant microorganisms and increased risk of invasive candidiasis, necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, and death. Additionally, other foreseeable consequences of exposure to this class of medication include acute toxicity, need for intravenous access, and increased costs for hospitals.

It has been increasingly reported in the literature that, in unconfirmed cases of neonatal sepsis, antibiotics can safely be discontinued in clinically stable patients with negative blood cultures after 36–48 h of incubation. Furthermore, it is described that the antimicrobial control program, based on the reevaluation of the medication need on the third day of use, contributes to the prevention of emergencies or the induction of multi-resistant bacteria, which continues to be an underestimated but increasingly reported threat in neonatal units worldwide.

Journal of Pediatric Care aims to distribute information on all scientific ground and social aspects related to pediatric issues and neonatal care. Journal of Pediatric Care is a journal published bimonthly issues and is adamant to publish all topics related to Pediatrics, Neonates, Children and Adolescents research in English language. We welcome original research articles, review articles, editorials, case reports, and others from any part of the world. The broader scope of the journal will consider submissions in the following areas:  pediatric medicine, neonatal care, medicinal aspect of behavior development, care in neonatal intensive care unit, social care of infants and children and their impact on the behaviour etc.

Manuscripts are reviewed by members of the international editorial board and our expert peer reviewers, then either accepted for publication or rejected by the chief editor. Shorter articles are particularly welcome.

Submit manuscript at http://pediatrics.imedpub.com/submit-manuscript.php

Email: pediatriccare@pediatricsjournals.com

Authors are welcome to submit manuscripts through the Editor Manager System or through E-mail: pediatriccare@pediatricsjournals.com

Each submitted article will go through a plagiarism check followed by peer review process under the vigilance of an Editorial Board member. Articles will be accepted only after receiving at least two positive comments and after the consent of the assigned Editor. The journal performs a rapid review while maintaining the quality of the articles.
 

Regards
Editorial office
Pediatric Care
ISSN:  2471- 805X
Index Copernicus: 82.75