Management of the newborn at risk for vertical sepsis.

Suspected early-onset sepsis (EOS) is one of the most frequent diagnoses in neonatal units; however, infection is not confirmed in most cases, leading to the widespread overuse of empirical antibiotherapy. This document presents a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to EOS and proposes evidence-based recommendations, supported by national epidemiological data, for the management of neonates at risk of EOS according to gestational age and individual risk level, in order to promote rational use of antibiotics in the neonatal period.