20 Evaluation of Compliance with the 2017 Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) Position Statement for the Management of Newborns at Risk for Early-Onset Sepsis (EOS): A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Due to the high mortality and non-specific clinical presentation, clinicians often empirically treat newborns at risk of early-onset sepsis (EOS). Recently, the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) published updated recommendations that promote a more judicious approach to EOS management. Objectives To examine the compliance with the CPS position statement at a tertiary perinatal site. Design/Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted between Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2018. Newborns were categorized into 5 groups, depending on the number of EOS risk factors. Management strategies were assessed against the CPS recommendations to establish the rate of non-compliance. The reason for non-compliance, readmission rate and rate of culture-positive EOS were also examined. Results were expressed using descriptive statistics. A Chi-squared test was conducted to assess the association between the readmission rate and initial management. Results The total non-compliance rate was 47%. This was mostly due to inappropriate investigations in lower EOS risk groups [3 (71%) and 4 (94%)] and withholding antibiotics in groups with more risk factors [1 (43%) and 2 (67%)]. The rate of readmission for a septic work-up was low (<2%), and no newborns had culture-positive EOS. There was no significant association between the readmission rate and initial management (p=0.13). Conclusion Although the rate of non-compliance to the 2017 CPS recommendations was high, no neonates had culture-positive EOS, suggesting that our management strategies may be too aggressive. An initial observational period for newborns at lower EOS risk (groups 3 and 4) may warrant consideration for future quality improvement initiatives.