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Table 2 Varying definitions of neonatal sepsis used by investigators and clinicians

From: Effect of case management on neonatal mortality due to sepsis and pneumonia

Common signs of neonatal sepsis:

• Lethargy or irritability

• Poor feeding

• Vomiting

• Jaundice

• Respiratory distress

• Apnoea

• Fever or hypothermia

Definition of neonatal sepsis used by Bang et al (1999)[9]

Presence of two or more of the following signs:

• Weak or absent cry

• Weak or reduced suckling

• Drowsy or unconscious baby

• Temperature more than 37.2°C or less than 35°C

• Diarrhoea or persistent vomiting or abdominal distension

• Grunting or severe chest indrawing

• Respiratory rate of 60 or more

• Pus in skin or umbilicus

Definition of neonatal sepsis used by Baqui et al (2008)[12]

Presence of one or more of the following signs:

• Convulsions

• Unconsciousness

• Fever ≥ 38.3°C

• Breathing ≥ 60 per minute

• Body Temperature ≤ 35.3°C

• Many or severe skin pustules or blisters on single large area, or pus or redness with swelling Severe chest indrawing

Definition of sepsis by Young Infant Clinical Signs Study Group (2008)[84]

Presence of one or more of the following signs:

• Difficulty feeding

• Convulsions

• Movement only when stimulated

• Respiratory rate of 60 or more

• Severe chest indrawing

• Temperature ≥ 37.5°C

• Temperature ≤ 35.5°C