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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2014; 03(04): 281-289
DOI: 10.3233/PIC-14110
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Healthcare-associated infections in the pediatric intensive care unit

Authors

  • Judith A. Guzman-Cottrill

    a   Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA

  • Aileen Kirby

    b   Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

04 September 2014

20 October 2014

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. Critically ill children frequently require the placement of invasive devices, such as central venous catheters, urinary catheters, and endotracheal tubes. Each device increases a patient's risk of acquiring infection. In this review, the diagnosis and management of common healthcare-associated infections in the PICU is discussed. This review also examines several infection prevention strategies used in the PICU.

Keywords

Healthcare-associated infection - central line-associated bloodstream infection - ventilator-associated pneumonia - catheter-associated urinary tract infection - hospital-onset respiratory virus infection