Use of Procalcitonin-Guided Decision-Making to Shorten Antibiotic Therapy in Suspected Neonatal Early-Onset Sepsis: Prospective Randomized Intervention Trial

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of neonatal early-onset sepsis is difficult because clinical signs and laboratory tests are non-specific. Early antibiotic therapy is crucial for treatment success. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of procalcitonin (PCT)-guided decision-making on duration of antibiotic therapy in suspected neonatal early-onset sepsis.