JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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During a 24-month period, 34 cases of nosocomial sinusitis associated with nasopharyngeal instrumentation were identified in 32 severely traumatized patients, accounting for 5% of all nosocomial infections. Diagnosis was based on roentgenographic findings consistent with acute sinusitis and either purulent material aspirated from the involved sinus or purulent nasal discharge. All patients had fever and most had leukocytosis. ⋯ Seven, although asymptomatic, had persistent radiological abnormalities consistent with chronic sinusitis. Five patients died of intercurrent disease before resolution of their sinusitis. Sinusitis should be ruled out as a cause of infection in febrile intensive care patients with an indwelling nasal tube.