An increased incidence of SNCI in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) has been reported. Rrisk factors mentioned in the literature include prematurity, central venous catheters (CVC), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and particularly the use of lipids. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics has also been implicated. A dramatic change in the NICU's flora was observed starting in 1995, which switched from Gram negative predominance to CNSI. The present study was performed with the purpose of establishing the incidence of SNCI in the VLBW (<1500gr) infants and its correlation with CVC, TPN and use of lipids. All the results of positive blood cultures in the VLBW infants admitted to the NICU from 1/196 through 12/31/96, who survived more than 7 days were prospectively collected. The following data were obtained form clinical records: TPN, use of IV lipids and CVC, CNSI was defined by the presence of 2 positive blood cultures. Table

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None of the deaths could be attributed to CSNI: 2 infants <1000g died due to Gram negative sepsis. These data show a high incidence of CNSI, specially in the <1000g infant, and a strong association with TPN, lipids and CVC. We conclude that new strategies need to be designed to decrease the infection risk in these tiny patients who need the interventions that place them at risk.