1. What is Early Onset Sepsis Risk Calculation?

The Early Onset Sepsis Risk Calculator estimates the probability of neonatal sepsis within the first 72 hours of life based on known risk factors and their likelihood ratios. This helps clinicians make informed decisions about antibiotic prophylaxis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Base\_incidence \) — Baseline incidence of early onset sepsis (per 1000 births)
• \( Likelihood\_ratios \) — Multiplicative factors for each risk factor

Explanation: The equation multiplies the base incidence rate by the product of all relevant risk factors' likelihood ratios.

3. Importance of Risk Calculation

Details: Accurate risk estimation helps balance the need to treat potential sepsis while avoiding unnecessary antibiotic exposure in newborns.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the base incidence rate for your population (typically 0.5-3 per 1000) and select all applicable risk factors. The calculator will estimate the adjusted risk.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered high risk?
A: Generally, risk >3 per 1000 is considered high enough to warrant antibiotic prophylaxis, though local protocols may vary.

Q2: What are the most significant risk factors?
A: Prematurity, maternal GBS colonization, prolonged rupture of membranes, and intrapartum fever are major risk factors.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides population-level estimates. Individual risk may vary based on additional clinical factors.

Q4: Should this replace clinical judgment?
A: No, this is a decision-support tool. Clinical presentation and local guidelines should always be considered.

Q5: What's the typical base incidence?
A: In developed countries, base incidence is typically 0.5-1.0 per 1000 term births, higher in preterm infants.