Abstract
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 retrospective 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 7 days 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.