Neonatal nosocomial infection: profile and risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence and risk factors for neonatal nosocomial infections.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
Tertiary care Teaching Hospital.


METHODS
Hospital born neonates transferred to the neonatal unit after birth and available in the unit 48 hours later comprised the cohort for the surveillance. Detailed maternal, intrapartum and neonatal variables were recorded. Risk factors for nosocomial infection were analyzed by both univariate and multiple logistic regression methods.


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-four neonates were enrolled in the cohort. The overall nosocomial infection rate was 16.8/1000 patient days. Device associated infection rate was 11.9/1000 device days. Multidrug resistant Klebsiella species was the commonest organism causing nosocomial septicemia and pneumonia followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The risk factors detected to be significantly associated with infection on multiple logistic regression analyses were a birth weight < 1500 g (OR 3.3) and assisted ventilation > 72 h (OR 14.2).


CONCLUSIONS
Very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates, especially those undergoing interventions such as mechanical ventilation are at the greatest risk for infection and death. Therefore, strict protocol for asepsis must be adhered to when handling these high risk infants.
Pawa
A K
AK
Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.
Ramji
S
S
Prakash
K
K
Thirupuram
S
S
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors