TREATMENT OF INFANTS WITH
SUSPECTED EARLY-ONSET SEPSIS
In the United States, the most common
pathogens responsible for early-onset
neonatal sepsis are GBS and Escherichia
coli.17 A combination of ampicillin and
an aminoglycoside (usually gentamicin)
is generally used as initial therapy, and
this combination of antimicrobial agents
also has synergistic activity against
GBS and Listeria monocytogenes.82,83
Third-generation cephalosporins (eg,
cefotaxime) represent a reasonable alternative
to an aminoglycoside. However,
several studies have reported rapid
development of resistance when cefotaxime
has been used routinely for the
treatment of early-onset neonatal sepsis,
84 and extensive/prolonged use of
third-generation cephalosporins is a risk
factor for invasive candidiasis.85 Because
of its excellent CSF penetration,
empirical or therapeutic use of cefotaxime
should be restricted for use in
infants with meningitis attributable to
Gram-negative organisms.86 Ceftriaxone
is contraindicated in neonates
because it is highly protein bound
and may displace bilirubin, leading to a
risk of kernicterus. Bacteremia without an
identifiable focus of infection is generally
treated for 10 days