Friend's 4 week old baby with abnormal blood cultures and jaundice...

[Elibean]

...it looked like he caught a bug from his big sister (who had nasty D&V for three days, then recovered) but when his temp got to 39.5 my friend took him in to hospital. They thought it was viral, but took blood cultures and tests. His bilirubin was high, and his LFTs abnormal, and his jaundice (which was pretty much gone post-birth) was back - but they still thought it was viral.
She just got a call from the hospital saying 'bring him in immediately' because the cultures are abnormal, and they can't even rule out meningitis - she's terrified.
Not sure why I'm posting, other than to ask for good thoughts for the little lad (he was born at 38 weeks, so really is still very little) and does anyone have any ideas about raised bilirubin/LFTs?? I didnt' think that was one of the meningitis markers - but???

[popsycal]

ds1 had very high bilirubin levels for the first 6 weeks of his life
his a normal lively 4 year old now

I don't know anything about the others things but am thinking of your friend. very scary stuff

[Elibean]

Thanks, popsycal...did he have noticeable jaundice with it? Imagine he did, or you wouldn't have had repeat blood tests...but anyway, thats a comforting bit of info, will pass it on to friend. Thanks for your thoughts, too.

[popsycal]

yes he was orange from day 3

[Elibean]

Just heard from her, he has septicaemia. Apparently they got him just in time, he'll be in hospital on IV ABs for at least 5 days - and will have a lumbar puncture in a couple of days' time when they get the next lot of blood cultures back (whatever that means - if anyone here has a clue, would appreciate translation: does this mean they are suspecting meningitis??)
Anyway, fingers tightly crossed. Very scary stuff.
Popsycal, appreciate your input - thanks.

[tamum]

How worrying. I think a lumbar puncture would mean that they suspect an infection like meningitis, certainly. When dd has suspected encephalitis they were going to do one but said they would wait as long as they possibly could. I hope things work out.

[Elibean]

Thanks - he's had the LP, but my friend (who is in the medical profession, though not a doctor) thinks its likely to come back clear. Fingers crossed. Encephalitis sounds awful too, Tamum - hope all went well for your dd.