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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2010; 05(02): 161-169
DOI: 10.3233/JPI-2010-0237
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Prevention of infection and management of multidrug-resistant organisms in the PICU

Demet Demirkol
a   Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Suat Biçer
b   Department of Pediatric Emergency, Istanbul Bakirkoy Obstetrics/Gynecology and Children Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Metin Karaböcüoğlu
c   Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Institute of Child Health, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Publication History

16 August 2009

23 September 2009

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Nosocomial infections threaten hospitalized patients and can lead to complications in 25–50% of those admitted to intensive care units. Nosocomial infections increase both morbidity and mortality. Infection control has a particularly important role in pediatric intensive care units; it must take into account the specificity of critically ill pediatric patients’ needs and environment. Multidrug-resistant organisms cause severe and extensive disease. The prevention and control of multidrug-resistant organisms is a national priority, one that will require that all care facilities and agencies assume responsibility. Evidence-based process improvement can lead to significant reductions in hospital-acquired infections in children. Most of the process and practices, when performed routinely and appropriately, can lead to reductions in hospital-acquired infections. This review addresses issues that characterize infection control in pediatric intensive care units.

Keywords

Nosocomial infections - pediatric intensive care unit - critically ill - pediatrics