[Prolonged exposure to antibiotics and the risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in neonates of 1,000-1,500 g: a cohort study].

Objective: To determine whether prolonged exposure to antibiotics (>5 days) increases the risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in newborns of 1,000-1,500 g.

Methods: A cohort study in newborns with suspected perinatal infection, with a survival greater than seven days. The exposed cohort was composed of newborns with antibiotic therapy initiated at first postnatal day, lasting >5 days, with negative blood cultures before the fifth day of life, and without clinical evidence of sepsis.