American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Sep 2012
Impact of clinical severity index, infective pathogens, and initial empiric antibiotic use on hospital mortality in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.
The prompt initial use of appropriate antibiotics should improve mortality rates in adults with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). However, the incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen infections is on the rise, and the choice of the initial empiric antibiotic may be challenging. We investigated whether appropriate initial antibiotic therapy, infective pathogens, and the clinical severity index influence hospital mortality in patients with VAP and determined independent risk factors for the same. ⋯ High Charlson Comorbidity Index score, high initial oxygenation index, high SOFA score, and infection with Acinetobacter baumannii or MDR pathogens significantly affect hospital mortality in patients with VAP.
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Am J Infect Control · Sep 2012
Seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccine compliance and intent to be vaccinated among emergency medical services personnel.
Only limited data are available on emergency medical technicians' (EMT) influenza vaccination compliance. ⋯ EMT-targeted interventions should be used to increase vaccine compliance, including implementing a mandatory vaccination policy and addressing EMTs' beliefs and attitudes about vaccine in an education campaign.