American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Nov 2003
Polyurethane II catheter as long-indwelling intravenous catheter in patients with cancer.
Silicone has been the standard material for indwelling devices to date. Polyurethane II exhibits properties that makes it suitable as a component of long-indwelling vascular access, with the added advantage of low cost. ⋯ Our findings indicate that polyurethane II catheters have proven useful and safe as long-indwelling vascular access in patients with cancer at our hospital at a considerably lower cost.
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Am J Infect Control · Nov 2003
Bacterial transfer and cross-contamination potential associated with paper-towel dispensing.
The role of hands in disease transmission is well established, and the importance of handwashing is recognized. However, the exits of paper-towel dispensers used in hand drying may be contaminated, and the functionality of handwashing equipment increasingly is being questioned. ⋯ The results indicate that zig-zag transfer of bacteria between paper-towel dispensers and hands can take place if either one is contaminated. This potential should be considered in the design, construction, and use of paper-towel dispensers.
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Am J Infect Control · Oct 2003
Comparative StudyClinical or epidemiologic diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia: is there any difference?
To evaluate the draft Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions of nosocomial pneumonia in comparison with current CDC definitions to increase acceptance by intensive care specialists. ⋯ Even though the current definitions are useful, agreement with the clinical assessment was greater for the draft definitions and might lead to improved acceptance of surveillance data by intensive care specialists.
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The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of burn unit infections, the effect of these infections on the mortality rate, and antibiotic resistance pattern of the predominant bacteria isolated from children. Patients and method Epidemiologic data for 610 children, aged 0 to 15 years, admitted to the burn unit at Dicle University Hospital during a 5-year period were collected and analyzed. ⋯ The major type of nosocomial infections in the burn unit was burn wound infections, and the majority of nosocomial infections resulted from multiple drug-resistant, gram-negative bacteria.
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Am J Infect Control · Aug 2003
Nosocomial infections in medical-surgical intensive care units in Argentina: attributable mortality and length of stay.
Nosocomial infections are an important public health problem in many developing countries, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). Limited data exists on the incidence and burden of nosocomial infection in the ICU in Argentina. ⋯ Our study finds high rates of nosocomial infections in ICUs in Argentina, associated with a considerable attributable mortality and excess length of stay. Ongoing targeted surveillance and implementation of infection control strategies is necessary to control this growing problem.