Safety monitoring of colistin therapy in critically ıll neonates with late-onset sepsis: A retrospective observational study

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of colistin therapy by monitoring renal function and electrolyte levels in critically ill neonates with late-onset sepsis (LOS) hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between 2015 and 2021. This ret rospective case–control study included 58 critically ill neonates treated with colistin for late-onset sepsis and 22 control neonates with late-onset sepsis who did not receive colistin. Data were analyzed to compare patient outcomes, microbiological profiles, and side effects of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bayesian calculations to evaluate serum creatinine levels and biochemical parameters over time. Serum creatinine levels showed similar alterations within the first 7days of colistin treatment with moderate evidence. However, serum magnesium and sodium levels were lower on the 7th day in the colistin-treated group compared with the control group. Colistin therapy in critically ill neonates with late-onset sepsis appears to be a viable treatment option with an acceptable short-term safety profile. These findings emphasize the importance of routine monitoring of renal function and electrolyte levels during colistin use in neonatal intensive care to minimize potential complications.