The Journal of hospital infection
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Comparative Study
Comparison of intensive-care-unit-acquired infections and their outcomes among patients over and under 80 years of age.
Patients aged >80 years represent a growing population admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). However, little is known about ICU-acquired infection (IAI) in this population, and the rate of invasive procedures is increasing. ⋯ The frequency of IAI was similar in elderly and younger patients, as were the associations between IAI and length of ICU stay, nursing workload and ICU mortality in an ICU with a high rate of invasive procedures.
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Surveillance programmes have become the most effective tool for controlling catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). However, few studies have investigated programmes covering all hospital settings. ⋯ The CRBSI control and prevention programme implemented at the study hospital has decreased the rate of CRBSI, provided important information about the total burden of disease, and revealed possible ways to improve interventions in the future.