Neonatology and Pediatrics

Antibiotic Stewardship in NICUs

Antibiotic stewardship in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is essential for reducing antimicrobial resistance and protecting the effectiveness of life-saving therapies. This session explores evidence-based strategies to minimize unnecessary antibiotic exposure, including risk assessment for early- and late-onset sepsis, antibiotic de-escalation, and timely discontinuation when cultures remain negative. Participants will examine the role of neonatologists, infectious disease specialists, and pharmacists in developing NICU-specific stewardship programs. Diagnostic advances such as rapid multiplex PCR and procalcitonin testing will be discussed to support informed treatment decisions. Real-world examples will highlight outcomes including reduced antimicrobial resistance, fungal infections, and disruption of the neonatal gut microbiome. Emphasis will be placed on balancing effective infection management with judicious antibiotic use to improve neonatal outcomes and address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance.