Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Early-onset neonatal infection, defined as infection within 72 h of birth, is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity,1 where Group B streptococcus (GBS) is most frequently responsible.1 ,2 The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline: ‘Antibiotics for early-onset neonatal infection: antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of early-onset neonatal infection’1 was published in August 2012. It aims to help identify those neonates at risk of infection, to promote prompt treatment for neonates with suspected infection and to minimise antibiotic exposure to those babies who do not have early-onset neonatal infection. The guideline was developed by the National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health. There are no previous detailed national guidelines on the management of early-onset neonatal sepsis. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published a guideline in 2003 (updated 2012) focusing on prevention of GBS, which included some aspects of the management of early-onset neonatal sepsis.2 Box 2 ### Resources http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149 Link to NICE guideline and full guideline http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149/PublicInfo/pdf/English English link to public information on antibiotics for early-onset neonatal infection http://www.nice.org.uk/newsroom/podcasts/index.jsp?pid=44 Antibiotics for early-onset neonatal infection podcast with Dr Mark Turner ### For mothers
Osvald et al. (Fri,) studied this question.