Detection of neonatal sepsis of late onset

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Abstract
Five tests were used in combination to diagnose neonatal sepsis. Their use was described in 56 infants evaluated between 8-60 days of age, who had nonspecific signs of infection at presentation, as well as further evidence in 524 infants evaluated in the 1st wk after birth. When 2 or more of the 5 tests had abnormal results (leukocyte count < 5000/ml; immature/total neutrophils .gtoreq. 0.2; ESR [erythrocyte sedimentation rate] .gtoreq. 15 mm/h; latex C-reactive protein, positive; and latex haptoglobin, positive), a sepsis screen was considered positive. A positive screen was found in 23 infants, 10 of whom had proved sepsis, and only 2 had no evidence of infection. With the addition of a leukocyte count > 20,000/ml, the remaining 2 cases of sepsis would have been detected. In those with a negative screen (n = 33), 26 had no evidence of infection. The sepsis screen seems to be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis during and beyond the 1st wk.