Bibliographic information
GuidelineRecommendations for management of common childhood conditions : evidence for technical update of pocket book recommendations : newborn conditions, dysentery, pneumonia, oxygen use and delivery, common causes of fever, severe acute malnutrition and supportive care
Year of Publication2012
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
A neonate with risk factors for infection (i.e. membranes ruptured > 18 hours before delivery, mother had fever > 38 °C before delivery or during labour, or amniotic fluid was foul smelling or purulent) should be treated with the prophylactic antibiotics ampicillin (IM or intravenously, IV) and gentamicin for at least 2 days. After 2 days, the neonate should be reassessed and treatment continued only if there are signs of sepsis (or a positive blood culture).
Recommended in favor
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Very low