Quality improvement initiative to reduce late-onset sepsis in very low birth weight preterm infants: a multicenter study from the Brazilian network on neonatal research

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement project (QI) on reducing proven late-onset sepsis (LOS) in centers of the Brazilian Network Neonatal Research (BNNR).

Method

An interventional study conducted in 12 BNNR centers from 2021 to 2023. Included preterm infants (PT) born at 22–36 weeks' gestational age, weighing 400–1499 grams, without malformations, and admitted to the NICU for > 72 h. QI tools were used and four process indicators were defined: central catheter complication (≤ 20 %); antibiotic discontinuation ≤48 h in non-infected infants (≥ 80 %); breast milk expression within the first 48 h and enteral feeding within the first 24 h of life (≥ 80 %); full enteral feeding without parenteral nutrition by day 11 (≥ 70 %). The outcome was the proportional reduction of LOS according to each center’s baseline (2020). Indicators were analyzed descriptively across three periods.

Results

A total of 1993 PT < 1500 grams were included. Half of the centers achieved the target for umbilical catheter complications, and 92 % for percutaneous catheters. Antibiotics were discontinued within 48 h in 67 % of non-infected infants. Early breast milk expression and enteral feeding were achieved in 44 % and 75 % of cases, respectively. 58 % achieved full enteral nutrition without parenteral support by day 11. LOS incidence declined in 67 % of centers, and half met their targets, with an overall 18.5 % reduction.

Conclusions

The project reduced LOS in most centers, although some clinical practices still need improvement. It demonstrates a reproducible, low-cost strategy with the potential to guide other neonatal units facing high sepsis incidence.