Neonatal infection: antibiotics for prevention and treatment

  • NICE guideline
  • NG195
  • Published: 
  • Last updated: 
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Investigations during antibiotic treatment for early-onset or late-onset infection

1.17 C-reactive protein and lumbar puncture

1.17.1

In babies given antibiotics because of risk factors for infection or clinical indicators of possible late-onset neonatal infection, measure the C reactive protein concentration 18 to 24 hours after starting antibiotics. [2021]

1.17.2

Consider performing a lumbar puncture to obtain a cerebrospinal fluid sample in a baby who did not have a lumbar puncture at presentation who is receiving antibiotics, if it is thought safe to do so and if:

  • the baby has a positive blood culture (other than coagulase negative staphylococcus) or

  • the baby does not respond satisfactorily to antibiotic treatment, or

  • there is a strong clinical suspicion of infection or

  • there are clinical symptoms or signs suggesting meningitis. [2021]