There is limited evidence regarding the predictive value of neonatal screening for late-onset sepsis, according to a study published in the Journal for Hospital Infection.
Researchers conducted a systematic review of eight studies that reported data to calculate prognostic accuracy of surface screening among neonates for predicting late-onset sepsis. They assessed the risk of bias and performed a meta-analysis. The studies were performed in six countries in Europe, Asia and North America and included 4,829 participants.
The study shows all studies were at high risk of bias. Body surface screening to predict late-onset sepsis showed a pooled sensitivity of 41 percent and pooled specificity of 56 percent.
"Carefully planned and conducted prospective studies, including randomized trials, are needed to clarify the potential value of this measure for the prediction and prevention of late-onset sepsis," study authors concluded.