In more mature
neonates without risk factors for infection
who clinically improve over the
first 6 hours of life (eg, need for oxygen
is decreasing and respiratory distress
is resolving), it is reasonable to withhold
antimicrobial therapy and monitor
the neonates closely. The 6-hour window
should not be considered absolute;
however, most infants without infection
demonstrate some improvement
over that time period. Any worsening of
the infant’s condition should prompt