Managing Infants Exposed to Maternal Chorioamnionitis by the Use of Early-Onset Sepsis Calculator

Abstract

Objective. To reduce neonatal intensive care unit admission rate (NAR) and antibiotic utilization rate (AUR) in ≥36 weeks gestational age infants exposed to maternal chorioamnionitis (MC) through the application of early-onset sepsis calculator (EOSCAL). Study Design. This is a single-center cohort study. All infants born ≥36 weeks gestational age and exposed to MC were compared for NAR, AUR, and laboratory evaluation rate (LER) 2 years after and 1 year before the implementation of EOSCAL. Results. There is a significant decrease in NAR ( P < .001), AUR ( P < .04), and LER for blood culture, complete blood count, and C-reactive protein ( P < .001) after implementation of EOSCAL. If infants received antibiotics, it was for significantly less number of doses ( P < .01). There was no increase in the readmission rate. Conclusion. Use of EOSCAL significantly decreases the rate of NAR, AUR, and LER in infants exposed to MC, without affecting readmission rates and late antibiotic use.