[INFECTIOUS DISEASE ASSESSMENT OF TERM INFANTS WITH RISK FACTORS - EVALUATION OF NECESSITY AND METHODS OF PREVENTION].

Our findings support the presumption that the benefit of blood tests taken in healthy neonates with maternal risk factors is questionable; Out of 583 infants, only 11 had positive blood cultures. The policy of initiating antibiotic treatment 14 hours after membrane rupture has little or no value in preventing the need for assessing those born 18 hours or more after membrane rupture. This study joins other studies around the world that support the conclusion that there is a very small benefit in blood tests taken from a healthy newborn with maternal risk factors. Other ways of assessing the presence of congenital infection in a healthy newborn with maternal risk factors should be found.