Risk factors for nosocomial infections in mechanically ventilated neonates at intensive care unit

• Main Authors: Đorđević Zorana M., Opančina Valentina D., Radojević-Živković Marija N., Protrka Zoran M., Savić Dragana M., Rajković Gordana, Ristić Dragana, Janković Slobodan M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medicinsko društvo za racionalnu terapiju Republike Srbije 2018-01-01
• Series: Racionalna Terapija
• Subjects: nosocomial infections; mechanic ventilation; neonates; intensive care unit
• Online Access: https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/1821-0538/2018/1821-05381802009D.pdf
• ISSN: 1821-0538; 2217-8627

Introduction. Neonatal nosocomial infection (NIs) is defined as the occurrence of infection 48 hours after birth, which is caused by a nosocomial pathogen. Newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are at increased risk for developing Nis. The aim of our study was to describe risk factors for NIs at mechanically ventilated (MV) neonates in a NICU. Materials and methods. The study was designed as a case/control study nested in the prospective cohort study. The study population consisted of the neonates supported by MV and admitted at the NICU. Risk factors were identified and their influence quantified by logistic regression. Results. Our study showed that MV neonates in the NICU, who were longer carrying peripheral venous catheter (PVC) and spend more time in hospital, were more likely to get NIs (OR=1.091, CI=1.035-1.151). The neonates having an infection on admittance were less likely to acquire NIs. Conclusions. Development of NIs in MV neonates could be prevented by education of hospital staff and shortening of hospitalization. Rate of nosocomial infections will drop if exposure of newborns to pathogens from hospital environment and to invasive devices is decreased.