title: Pediatric intensive care unit nosocomial infections: epidemiology, sources and solutions.
abstract: Nosocomial infections in the PICU remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality. The risk of infections in these patients remains high because invasive devices allow organisms to bypass normal host defenses. Additionally, this patient group often has coexisting metabolic or organ system dysfunctions. Antibiotic pressure has led to the development of drug-resistant organisms within the PICU, thereby causing infections that are increasingly difficult to control. The best current approach for preventing PICU infections centers on consistent hand washing between patients, early discontinuation of invasive devices, and appropriate isolation strategies. Insight into the causes and locations of PICU-related infections remains a crucial component in the success of preventive strategies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Critical Care Medicine, Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. rowinm@aol.com
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Rowin
authors.forename: Vipul V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Christenson
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors