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

In neonates with central venous catheters, does the use of prophylactic antibiotics affect mortality and morbidity (especially septicaemia). We plan to review a policy of prophylactic antibiotics for the duration of catheterisation (or other fixed duration of antibiotic treatment) versus placebo or no treatment.

Data permitting, subgroup analyses are planned to determine whether results differ by:
term (> 37 weeks gestation) versus preterm (< 37 weeks gestation);
type of antibiotic (e.g., penicillins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, or combinations);
type of catheter (e.g. percutaneously inserted central catheter, surgically inserted or tunnelled line).