The author identifies many relevant learning points for all health professionals who assess infants in the neonatal period. As this covers the first 28 days, the relevance of late onset sepsis is highlighted when the initial observations depend on parental awareness of signs of illness and so this should be emphasised at discharge from maternity care with an agreed pathway for advice and referral.
Group B beta haemolytic streptococcus is a recognised pathogen causing late onset neonatal sepsis, is acquired from a colonised mother and remains a risk for recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. One of the important actions required in management is to inform the mother to be prepared to consider accepting intrapartum antibiotic treatment in her future pregnancies. It may also be possible to update the woman's maternity records with the relevant alert.
Reference
Neonatal infection (early onset): antibiotics for prevention and treatment. Clinical guideline [CG149]
Rapid Response:
Re: Neonatal sepsis
Dear Editor
The author identifies many relevant learning points for all health professionals who assess infants in the neonatal period. As this covers the first 28 days, the relevance of late onset sepsis is highlighted when the initial observations depend on parental awareness of signs of illness and so this should be emphasised at discharge from maternity care with an agreed pathway for advice and referral.
Group B beta haemolytic streptococcus is a recognised pathogen causing late onset neonatal sepsis, is acquired from a colonised mother and remains a risk for recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. One of the important actions required in management is to inform the mother to be prepared to consider accepting intrapartum antibiotic treatment in her future pregnancies. It may also be possible to update the woman's maternity records with the relevant alert.
Reference
Neonatal infection (early onset): antibiotics for prevention and treatment. Clinical guideline [CG149]
Competing interests: No competing interests