Der Anaesthesist
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A total of three intensive care units (ICU) at a German university hospital were involved in an outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). ⋯ The source of the outbreak was an intrinsically contaminated alcohol-free mouthwash. Detection of Bcc in specimens from ICU patients should lead to further investigations. Antiseptic oral care products are recommended for reducing the risk of VAP but they may be microbiologically contaminated and, in consequence, increase the risk. The safety of patient care products should be increased by stricter regulations.
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The development of provision and usage of intensive care capacity in Germany in the last two decades has not yet been sufficiently studied. ⋯ The provision and usage of intensive care capacities have increased steadily and independently of the hospital size in Germany in the last two decades. Major effects of cost reduction measures, such as the introduction of diagnosis-related reimbursement on the provision and usage of intensive care medicine were not observed.