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.