Objective To investigate the clinical features,treatment and the causes of death in severe infectious disease complicated with capillary leak syndrome(CLS)in neonates.Methods The clinical data,laboratory finding,treatmand clinical outcome of 11 neonates who had severe infectious disease complicated with CLS in our NICU from Jan 2009 to Jul 2010 were collected and analysed retrospectively.Results Among the 11neonates,five had pneumonia and the other six had sepsis.All the 11 cases appeared progressive edema on skin and mucosa,dyspnoea,infective shock,oliguria and hypoalbuminemia(10～20 g/L).We treated the 11cases with hydroxyethyl starch(10～15 ml/kg,every 8 to 12 h)at early stage on the basis of infection control,anti-shock treatment,mechanical ventilation,symptomatic treatment and a stable internal environment.At last,6 cases were rescued,in whom 4 cases were well-developed,had normal intelligence and athletic ability,the other two cases had hydrocephalus or muscle tone high of both lower extremities.Five cases died.Conelusion CLS is a severe complication of neonatal severe infection,and had high mortality.Treating with hydroxvethvl starch at an early stage can increase the survival rate.