Which infants need lumbar puncture for suspected sepsis?

Abstract

Evidence from prospective and retrospective clinical trials suggests that for infants <2 months old, only those at high risk for serious bacterial infection by standardized criteria (eg, Rochester classification) require lumbar puncture (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on prospective and retrospective cohort studies). However, expert opinion suggests lumbar puncture on all infants aged 0 to 28 days with suspected sepsis, and all infants aged >2 months who are to receive empiric antibiotics (SOR: C, based on expert opinion).