A mathematical algorithm for detection of late-onset sepsis in very-low birth weight infants: a preliminary diagnostic test evaluation.

OBJECTIVE To study the diagnostic ability of RALIS (computerized mathematical algorithm and continuous monitoring device) to detect late onset sepsis among very low birth weight preterm neonates. METHODS Randomly chosen 24 very low birth weight infants with proven sepsis were compared to 22 infants without sepsis. The clinical parameters were retrospectively collected from the medical records. The ability of RALIS to detect late onset sepsis was calculated. RESULTS RALIS positively identified 23 of the 24 infants with sepsis (sensitivity 95.8%). It indicated sepsis alert median 2.0 days earlier than clinical suspicion. A false positive alert was indicated in 23% (5/22) infants. The specificity, and positive and negative predictive ability of RALIS were 77.3%. 82.1% and 94.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION RALIS may aid in the early diagnosis of late onset sepsis in very low birth weight preterm infants.