title: [The prevalence of nosocomial infection in Intensive Care Units in the State of Rio Grande do Sul].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections and the risk factors for these infections, identify the predominant infecting organisms, and evaluate the relationship between ICU-acquired infection and mortality.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 1-day point prevalence study. Sixteen ICU of the State of Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil, excluding coronary care and pediatric units. All patients < 12 yrs occupying an ICU bed over a 24-hour period. The 16 ICU provided 174 case reports.
  
  
  RESULTS
  rates of ICU-acquired infection, resistance patterns of microbiological isolates, and potential risks factors for ICU-acquired infection and death.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 122 patients (71%) was infected and 51 (29%) had ICU-acquired infection. Pneumonia (58.2%), lower tract respiratory infection (22.9%), urinary tract infection (18%) were the most frequents types of ICU infection. Most frequently microorganisms reported were staphylococcus aureus (42% [64% resistant to oxacilin]) and pseudomonas aeruginosa (31%). Six risk factors for ICU acquired infection were identified: urinary catheterization, central vascular line, tracheal intubation for prolonged time (> 4 days), chronic disease and increased length of ICU stay (> 30 days). The risks factors associated with death were age, APACHE II, organ dysfunction, and tracheal intubation with or without mechanical ventilation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ICU-acquired infection is common and often associated with microbiological isolates of resistant organisms. This study may serve as an epidemiological reference to help the discussion of regional infection control policies.
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.
authors.forename: Thiago
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lisboa
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faria
authors.affiliation: UTI, Hospital Cristo Redentor.
authors.forename: Jorge A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hoher
authors.affiliation: UTI, Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
authors.forename: Luis A A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.affiliation: UTI, Hospital São Vicente de Paula.
authors.forename: Jussara
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gómez
authors.affiliation: UTI, Hospital de Caridade Astrogildo de Azevedo.
authors.forename: Luciele
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schifelbain
authors.affiliation: UTI, Hospital Universitário São Lucas, PUCRS.
authors.forename: Fernando S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: UTI, Hospital de Caridade de Ijuí.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lisboa
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.
authors.forename: Gilberto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Friedman