This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

To compare the effectiveness of different antibiotic regimens for initial treatment of suspected late onset sepsis (after 48 hours of age) in newborn infants with respect to mortality, septic shock and neurodevelopmental outcome. Separate comparisons of pre specified antibiotic regimens defined below will be undertaken. Planned subgroup analyses will include very low birth weight (less than approximately 1500g) or very preterm infants (less than approximately 32 weeks gestation) and developing compared with developed countries.