Comparison of Sepsis Risk Calculator with Traditional Category-Based Risk Assessment (CRA) Method for the Management of Early Onset Sepsis at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Dr. Tejas B. Joshi, Dr. Maulik Shah, Dr. Bhadresh R. Vyas, Dr. Jaykumar Chopda

Abstract: Early-onset sepsis (EOS), defined as a systemic bacterial infection within the first 72 hours of life, remains a critical cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality despite advancements in neonatal intensive care. Globally, EOS incidence ranges from 0.5 to 3 per 1,000 live births, with significantly higher rates in low- and middle-income countries, including India. The predominant pathogens are Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and gram-negative bacilli, particularly Escherichia coli. Traditional management of EOS has relied on category-based risk assessment (CRA) methods, which use maternal risk factors-such as prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM), maternal fever, and chorioamnionitis-to determine the need for laboratory evaluation and empirical antibiotic therapy. While CRA ensures that few sepsis cases are missed, its low specificity leads to overtreatment, increased NICU admissions, and mother-infant separation. The Kaiser Permanente Sepsis Risk Calculator (KP-SRC) offers a dynamic, individualized risk assessment approach by combining maternal risk factors with neonatal clinical status. Studies have shown that KP-SRC can reduce antibiotic usage by 40-60% without increasing missed sepsis cases or adverse outcomes. However, data on its applicability in Indian neonatal populations remain limited. This study aims to directly compare KP-SRC with traditional CRA in a tertiary care hospital, focusing on antibiotic exposure, diagnostic accuracy, and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Early-onset sepsis, Category-based risk assessment, Sepsis risk calculator, Neonates, Antibiotic stewardship

How to Cite?: Dr. Tejas B. Joshi, Dr. Maulik Shah, Dr. Bhadresh R. Vyas, Dr. Jaykumar Chopda, "Comparison of Sepsis Risk Calculator with Traditional Category-Based Risk Assessment (CRA) Method for the Management of Early Onset Sepsis at a Tertiary Care Hospital", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1506-1507, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25826144351, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25826144351