Framework for Considering Abnormal Heart Rate Characteristics and Other Signs of Sepsis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

Objective: A heart rate characteristics index (HeRO score), incorporating low variability and superimposed decelerations, was developed as a sepsis risk indicator for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A rise in the risk score should prompt consideration of other clinical changes that may be signs of sepsis to decide whether a workup and antibiotics are needed. We aimed to develop a framework to systematically consider signs potentially indicating sepsis in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.