Analysis from the NeoOBS Global Neonatal Sepsis Prospective Observational Cohort Study Across 19 Hospitals in 11 Countries; Clinical Presentation, Treatment, Mortality Outcomes and Development of the NeoSEP Sepsis Severity Score

Background: Neonatal sepsis is associated with high mortality, but there is limited clinical data on outcomes in hospital facilities in low and middle income countries (LMIC). The NeoOBS study aimed to determine the clinical features, pathogens and clinical outcomes of infants presenting with neonatal sepsis in hospitals globally. Methods: Infants <60 days of age, fulfilling at least 2 sepsis criteria were enrolled across 19 sites in 11 countries, with prospective data collection to 28 days. A multivariable Cox regression model was built to predict mortality and develop a sepsis severity score in 85% of infants (randomly selected) and validated in 15%. Findings: 3204 infants were enrolled between 2018-2020; median (IQR) postnatal age was 5 (2-15) days, birth weight 2500g (1400-3000g),…