Background and aims EOS is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality that can progress rapidly with minimal clinical and laboratory signs. Early identification of at risk newborns and prompt antibiotic treatment is therefore crucial. In 2012, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for EOS were published. Our local guideline includes fetal distress (abnormal cardiotocography) and meconium stained liquor as risk factors. We compare the outcomes with NICE and local guidelines.

Methods Retrospective analysis of infants ≥35 weeks gestation admitted to a level-3 NICU over 4 months with suspected sepsis classified to have presumed (PS) or confirmed sepsis (CS).

Results Of 81 cases identified, 44(54.3%) had PS and 37(45.7%) CS. 23(28.4%) babies in poor condition at birth received antibiotics on clinical grounds. Of remaining 58 cases, 36(62.1%) had PS and 22(37.9%) CS. Using local guideline in PS, 9(25%) required antibiotics, 13(36.1%) observed and 14(38.9%) were low risk. With NICE guideline, 5(13.9%) received antibiotics, 8(22.2%) observed and 23(63.9%) low risk. Using local guideline in CS, 10(45.5%) required antibiotics, 4(18.2%) observed and 8(36.3%) low risk but with NICE guideline, 3(13.6%) received antibiotics, 8(36.3%) observed and 11(50%) low risk did not require antibiotics or observations. Meconium was more common in CS (12/37; 32.4%) versus PS (6/44; 13.6%). Abnormal cardiotocography was noted in 40.5% CS cases versus 25% in PS.

Conclusions Local guidelines with fetal distress as a risk factor may enable earlier identification of EOS risk. Larger study may enable better evaluation of our antibiotic therapy and resource implications.