Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
-
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Aug 2007
Catheter-associated bloodstream infections in general medical patients outside the intensive care unit: a surveillance study.
To determine the incidence of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infection (CA-BSI) among patients admitted to general medical wards outside the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Non-ICU medical wards in the study hospital had device utilization rates that were considerably lower than those of medical ICUs, but CA-BSI rates were similar to CA-BSI rates in medical ICUs in the United States. Studies of catheter utilization and on CVC insertion and care should be performed on medical wards. CA-BSI prevention strategies that have been used in ICUs should be studied on medical wards.
-
To describe the rate of infection, associated organisms, and potential risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients receiving mechanical ventilation at home. ⋯ Although the organisms associated with VAP in the home setting are similar to those associated with hospital-acquired VAP, the incidence and mortality is much lower in the home care setting. Interventions to reduce the risk of VAP among patients receiving home care should be focused on patients who require ventilation for longer daily durations or who are new to receiving mechanical ventilation at home.
-
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Aug 2007
Case ReportsRalstonia pickettii bacteremia associated with pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy in a Canadian hospital.
We describe 2 pediatric patients with Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. Investigation revealed a common environmental source--the ECMO temperature-control units. We created guidelines for disinfecting these units that do not void the manufacturer's warranty and have prevented additional cases of bacteremia due to this organism.