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
