Distribution of common neonatal morbidities
Ten studies reported the age of onset of sepsis and/or jaundice in neonates (26–36).
No studies were identified that specifically reported the age of onset of two other key
morbidities, namely hypothermia and feeding problems.
Sepsis: Data from four studies were used to obtain the approximate age of onset of
neonatal sepsis (26–29). The onset is in the first week of life in about 60% of neonates.
Within the first week, a majority of the episodes occurs in the first 72 hours of life. About
18% of infants develop sepsis in each of the second and third weeks of life.
Jaundice: Only one study reported the age of onset of jaundice in neonates. About two
thirds of infants develop jaundice on days 4 to 5 of life.