Cerebrospinal fluid values in very low birth weight infants with suspected sepsis at different ages.

Objectives: Lumbar puncture can be an essential part of the septic work-up in premature infants who are at risk for sepsis and meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) values for cell counts, protein concentrations, and glucose concentrations in children and full-term infants are well established. CSF values in premature infants, however, have not been well studied.

Analysis of the efficacy of urine culture as part of sepsis evaluation in the premature infant.

Background: Premature infants have a higher incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) than full term infants. UTI in premature infants can present with signs of sepsis: poor weight gain; temperature instability; metabolic acidosis; poor feeding; and abdominal distention.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of routine urine culture as part of a sepsis evaluation in the preterm infants.