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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between variations in cytokine levels in the first 72 hours of life and prematurity., Study Design: In this prospective study, we examined the cytokine levels of 110 newborns in the first 72 hours of life. The participants were divided into two groups based on gestational age (66 very preterm and 44 term newborns), and cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β]) were evaluated., Results: Premature newborns exhibited higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, while TNF-α and TGF-β levels were lower comparing to term newborns. Even after adjusting for maternal and peripartum factors, the significant differences persisted., Conclusion: Our study underscores significant cytokine profile differences between full-term and very preterm newborns in early life. Elevated IL-6 and IL-8 levels in preterm infants suggest potential perinatal inflammation links to prematurity., Key Points: · There is a direct association between cytokine levels and prematurity.. · Knowledge of the variation of cytokines in newborns enhances personalized interventions.. · Cytokine levels are early associated with gestational age., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

There is an increasing evidence that strict evaluation of clinical signs is effective in detecting newborns at risk of early-onset sepsis (EOS) that require antibiotic therapy. In a retrospective case control design, we compared EOS antibiotic indication by clinical signs surveillance with multivariate risk analysis (EOSCalc), and estimate their costs. Newborns ≥ 34 weeks who received EOS antibiotics from June 2014 to December 2016 were studied. Were considered symptomatic those with three clinical signs within first 24 h or two signs and one risk factor present. Cost estimative was done using bottom-up hospital's perspective. Eight thousand three hundred twenty-one were born, 384 were included. Two hundred nineteen (57%) would receive antibiotics by EOSCalc and 64 (16.7%) by clinical signs (p < 0.001). All patients with blood cultures were detected and false-negatives were absent. Total cost was US$ 574,121, estimate US$ 415,576 by EOSCalc, and US$ 314,353 by clinical signs (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The use of EOSCalc and clinical signs surveillance seem to be safe and accurate methods in EOS management. Additionally, the two approaches have shown an economic advantage when compared with the hospital's current practice. What is Known: • EOSCalc is a useful method for screening of EOS in late preterm and term infants. • Presence of clinical signs and/or maternal risk factors are present newborns with EOS. What is New: • Rigorous observation of clinical signs is a more accurate method than EOSCalc to screen for EOS in late preterm and term newborns. • Rigorous observation of clinical signs is more economic than EOSCalc in managing EOS in late preterm and term neonates.