American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Apr 2010
Surveillance of catheter-associated urinary tract infection in 4 intensive care units at Alexandria university hospitals in Egypt.
We sought to measure the incidence rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), identify risk factors associated with acquiring the infections; and identify the etiologic and antibiotic resistant patterns associated with CAUTIs in the intensive care units (ICUs) of a large University Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. ⋯ Despite infection control policies and procedures, CAUTI rates remain a significant problem in Alexandria University hospital. Using the identified risk factors, tailored intervention strategies are now being implemented to reduce the rates of CAUTIs in these 4 ICUs.
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Am J Infect Control · Apr 2010
A 1-m distance is not safe for children with cystic fibrosis at risk for cross-infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Although maintaining a distance of 1 m between persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) is a universal recommendation to prevent respiratory cross-infections such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, evidence supporting this preventive measure is scarce. Examining 336 samples from 42 patients with CF collected experimentally from sterile surfaces after speaking and coughing, we found that transmission of P aeruginosa beyond 1 m is possible during both talking and coughing, although the probability is low (1.7%).
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Am J Infect Control · Apr 2010
Interobserver variability in ventilator-associated pneumonia surveillance.
Three infection control personnel and 1 physician independently evaluated 50 ventilated patients for ventilator-associated pneumonia through retrospective chart reviews. The infection control reviewers used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria; the physician used clinical judgment. ⋯ The physician diagnosed 7 cases. Interobserver variability in the assessment of ventilator-associated pneumonia is high.
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Am J Infect Control · Mar 2010
Comparative StudyPeripherally inserted central venous catheters in the acute care setting: A safe alternative to high-risk short-term central venous catheters.
Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) serve as an alternative to short-term central venous catheters (CVCs) for providing intravenous (IV) access in the hospital. It is not clear which device has a lower risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). We compared CVC- and PICC-related CLABSI rates in the setting of an intervention to remove high-risk CVCs. ⋯ In the presence of active surveillance and intervention to remove unnecessary or high-risk CVCs, CVCs and PICCs had similar rates of CLABSIs. Given their longer time to the development of infection, PICCs may be a safe alternative for prolonged inpatient IV access.
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Am J Infect Control · Mar 2010
Surgical site infections: Causative pathogens and associated outcomes.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and cost. Few studies have examined the causative pathogens, mortality, and economic burden among patients rehospitalized for SSIs. ⋯ SSIs caused by MRSA increased significantly and were independently associated with economic burden. Admission illness severity, transfer from another health care setting, and recent hospitalization were associated with higher mortality, increased LOS, and cost.