early-onset sepsis
Also written as: EOS — Early-Onset Sepsis
Bacterial bloodstream infection occurring within the first 72 hours of life, typically caused by pathogens acquired from the maternal genital tract during delivery.
Full Definition
Early-onset sepsis (EOS) is defined as bacterial infection of the bloodstream occurring within the first 72 hours (or sometimes 6-7 days) of life, representing one of the most serious conditions affecting newborns. The most common causative organisms are Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli, with other gram-negative bacteria also implicated. Risk factors include maternal GBS colonization, prolonged rupture of membranes (>18 hours), maternal fever during labor, preterm delivery, and inadequate intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. Clinical presentation can be subtle and non-specific, including temperature instability, respiratory distress, poor feeding, lethargy, and circulatory compromise. Diagnosis relies on blood cultures, though empirical antibiotic therapy is often initiated based on risk factors and clinical suspicion due to the rapid progression and high mortality if untreated.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish timing from late-onset sepsis (>72 hours); specify organism when culture results are available.
In Context
- "Given maternal fever and prolonged rupture of membranes, the newborn was evaluated for early-onset sepsis." — Clinical assessment
- "Blood cultures confirmed early-onset sepsis with Group B Streptococcus in the term infant." — Laboratory result