Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis of sepsis in term and late preterm neonates - UpToDate

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Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis of sepsis in term and late preterm neonates
Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis of sepsis in term and late preterm neonates
Author:
Joseph B Cantey, MD, MPH
Section Editors:
Morven S Edwards, MD
Karen M Puopolo, MD, PhD
Deputy Editor:
Niloufar Tehrani, MD
Literature review current through: Mar 2024.
This topic last updated: Oct 18, 2023.

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among newborn infants. Although the incidence of sepsis in term and late preterm neonates is low, the potential for serious adverse outcomes is of such great consequence that caregivers should have a low threshold for evaluation and treatment for possible sepsis in neonates.

The epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and evaluation of bacterial sepsis in term and late preterm neonates will be reviewed here. The management and outcome of bacterial sepsis in term and late preterm neonates are discussed separately. (See "Management and outcome of sepsis in term and late preterm neonates".)

Other related topics include:

●Sepsis in preterm neonates (see "Clinical features and diagnosis of bacterial sepsis in preterm infants <34 weeks gestation" and "Treatment and prevention of bacterial sepsis in preterm infants <34 weeks gestation")

●Management of well-appearing newborns with risk factors for early-onset sepsis (see "Approach to risk assessment and initial management of newborns with risk factors for early-onset sepsis")

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