Neonatal Sepsis Workup

Early (<72h) vs late-onset. Low threshold for empiric antibiotics in unstable neonate.

Educational decision support · Not a medical device · Do not enter PHI

Key points

EOS: ampicillin + gentamicin. LOS: vancomycin + gentamicin (or per unit antibiogram).
CBC, CRP, blood culture; LP if meningitis suspected and stable.
Reassess at 36–48h based on cultures and clinical course.

Pitfalls

Negative blood culture does not rule out sepsis in clinically ill neonate.
Avoid prolonged empiric antibiotics — increases NEC and mortality risk.

Ask the Copilot

— EOS risk calculator?
— When to stop empiric antibiotics?