Furthermore, scores obtained in the
first several hours after birth have been
shown to have poorer sensitivity and
negative predictive value than scores
obtained at 24 hours of age.67 Sepsis
screening panels commonly include
neutrophil indices and acute-phase reactants
(usually CRP concentration). The
positive predictive value of the sepsis
screen in neonates is poor (99%) in small clinical
studies.22 Sepsis screening tests might be
of value in deciding which “high-risk”
healthy-appearing neonates do not need
antimicrobial agents or whether therapy
can be safely discontinued