Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Sep 2013
Comparative StudyComparison of total hospital-acquired bloodstream infections to central line-associated bloodstream infections and implications for outcome measures in infection control.
The validity of the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) measure is compromised by subjectivity. We observed significant decreases in both CLABSIs and total hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs) following a CLABSI prevention intervention in adult intensive care units. Total hospital-acquired BSIs could be explored as an adjunct, objective CLABSI measure.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Aug 2013
Impact of postplacement adjustment of peripherally inserted central catheters on the risk of bloodstream infection and venous thrombus formation.
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip malposition is potentially associated with complications, and postplacement adjustment of PICCs is widely performed. We sought to characterize the association between central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) or venous thrombus (VT) and PICC adjustment. ⋯ Immunosuppression and 3 PICC lumens were associated with increased risk of CLABSI. Power-injectable PICCs were associated with increased risk of CLABSI and VT formation. Postplacement adjustment of PICCs was not associated with increased risk of CLABSI or VT.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Aug 2013
Is the use of antimicrobial devices to prevent infection correlated across different healthcare-associated infections? Results from a national survey.
Antimicrobial devices are often used to prevent nosocomial infection, despite mixed evidence as to their efficacy. Using a national survey, we found that a hospital's use of an antimicrobial device to prevent one type of infection was associated with a higher likelihood that a similar device would be used to prevent a different infection.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Aug 2013
Observational StudyVentilator-associated tracheobronchitis increases the length of intensive care unit stay.
To investigate prospectively the clinical course and risk factors for ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) and the impact of VAT on intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity and mortality. ⋯ VAT is a nosocomial infection that might be associated with prolonged stay in the ICU, especially in neurocritical patients. VAT was not associated with increased mortality in our study.