Table 1.

Risk factors and clinical signs of sepsis.

Risk Factors of Sepsis

Maternal chorioamnionitis diagnosed by culture and clinical sympthoms. Babies born to mothers with group B Streptococci (GBS) isolation in urine, rectal, and/or vaginal swabs when mother received no completed antibiotic treatment (at least 2 doses of Ampiciline before labor). Newborns of mothers non-tested for GBS having any of these risk factors: - Premature rupture of membranes >18 h - Presence of fever during labor - Premature labor no completely treated with antibiotics. Neonates carrying any of these devices at least 24 h prior to symptoms: peripheral or central line, ventriculoperitoneal shunting valve, endotracheal tube or tracheostomy, thoracic drainage, uretral catheter. Neonates who had undergone surgery in the 72 h prior to symptoms.

Clinical Signs of Sepsis

Temperature instability: Rectal temperature ≥38 °C or ≤36 °C. Respiratory symptoms: respiratory distress, apnoea, or cyanosis. Cardiovascular symptoms: hypotension (blood pressure < 5th percentile for age), tachycardia (HR > 180 min), bradycardia (HR < 100 min), or poor perfusion. Neurological symptoms: clinical or electrical seizures, hypotonia, or lethargy. Gastrointestinal symptoms: vomiting, poor feeding or feeding intolerance, and/or abdominal distension.