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Table 1 Risk classification of early-onset sepsis using an easy-to-use scoring system based on risk factors, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings (RCL score)

From: The impact of early empirical antibiotics treatment on clinical outcome of very preterm infants: a nationwide multicentre study in China

Risk factors (R)

Clinical symptoms (C)

Laboratory findings (L)

1.Mother Group B streptococcus positive

1. Respiratory distress or apnoea

1. White blood cells < 5 × 109/ L

2.Maternal chorioamnionitis (fever > 38.5 °C, fetal tachycardia)

2. Tachycardia or bradycardia

2. C-reactive protein > 10 mg/L

3.Arterial hypotension and/or poor perfusion

 

3.Premature rupture membranes > 18 hours

4. Hypothermia or hyperthermia

 

4.Gestational age < 37 weeks

5. Seizure, floppy infant, irritability, or lethargy

 
 

6.Vomiting or feeding intolerance or ileus

 
  1. One point was given if one or more of the risk factors (R), the clinical symptoms (C) or the laboratory findings (L) were positive; The minimum score was 0, and the maximum score was 3 points
  2. Low-risk category: neonates with one or no abnormal finding of the three areas of RCL, total score 0 or 1
  3. Medium-risk category: neonates with abnormal findings in two of the three areas of RCL, total score 2
  4. High-risk category: neonates with risk factors, clinical signs, and abnormal routine laboratory values, total score 3
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Italian Journal of Pediatrics

ISSN: 1824-7288

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