Pediatric clinics of North America
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Early-onset sepsis (EOS) is an important cause of neonatal morbidity. Despite extensive study, identifying at-risk newborns remains challenging, especially if they are initially well appearing. ⋯ Recent studies indicate that more precise risk assessment and alternative management strategies could decrease the number of infants exposed to blood draws and antibiotics during evaluations for EOS. This article reviews existing guidelines and provides an overview of the Bayesian sepsis calculator and serial observation as an alternative to laboratory studies and empirical antibiotics.