Infections In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Outbreak of group B Streptococcus in a neonatal care unit confirmed by whole-genome sequencing.

Clusters of group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are poorly documented. We aimed to assess GBS cross-transmission during an outbreak of GBS sepsis. The study was carried out between October and November 2021 in a French University Hospital. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients with GBS sepsis were included. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic patient records. Group B Streptococcus isolates were characterized at the molecular level using capsular genotyping and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The outbreak of GBS sepsis affected three very preterm neonates with a gestational age of less than 26 weeks, including one recurrent male index case aged 26 days, and two female secondary cases aged 5 and 17 days. The microbiological investigation identified a GBS isolate of capsular type III and Sequence Type 17 as responsible for the four infectious episodes. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the identity between the isolates. The outbreak and the results of the microbiological investigations led to an immediate reinforcement of hygiene measures. Clustered cases of GBS infections in NICU and horizontal transmission of the hypervirulent GBS Sequence Type 17 are likely underestimated. Prospective investigation of all nosocomial cases using WGS should contribute to improving vigilance regarding GBS cross-transmission and infection prevention.

Maternal Colonization Versus Nosocomial Transmission as the Source of Drug-Resistant Bloodstream Infection in an Indian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Drug-resistant gram-negative (GN) pathogens are a common cause of neonatal sepsis in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying GN transmission patterns is vital to inform preventive efforts. We conducted a prospective cohort study, 12 October 2018 to 31 October 2019 to describe the association of maternal and environmental GN colonization with bloodstream infection (BSI) among neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Western India. We assessed rectal and vaginal colonization in pregnant women presenting for delivery and colonization in neonates and the environment using culture-based methods. We also collected data on BSI for all NICU patients, including neonates born to unenrolled mothers. Organism identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed to compare BSI and related colonization isolates. Among 952 enrolled women who delivered, 257 neonates required NICU admission, and 24 (9.3%) developed BSI. Among mothers of neonates with GN BSI (n = 21), 10 (47.7%) had rectal, 5 (23.8%) had vaginal, and 10 (47.7%) had no colonization with resistant GN organisms. No maternal isolates matched the species and resistance pattern of associated neonatal BSI isolates. Thirty GN BSI were observed among neonates born to unenrolled mothers. Among 37 of 51 BSI with available NGS data, 21 (57%) showed a single nucleotide polymorphism distance of ≤5 to another BSI isolate. Prospective assessment of maternal GN colonization did not demonstrate linkage to neonatal BSI. Organism-relatedness among neonates with BSI suggests nosocomial spread, highlighting the importance of NICU infection prevention and control practices to reduce GN BSI.

Construction and validation of a predictive risk model for nosocomial infections with MDRO in NICUs: a multicenter observational study.

This study aimed to construct and validate a predictive risk model (PRM) for nosocomial infections with multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), in order to provide a scientific and reliable prediction tool, and to provide reference for clinical prevention and control of MDRO infections in NICUs. This multicenter observational study was conducted at NICUs of two tertiary children's hospitals in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Using cluster sampling, eligible neonates admitted to NICUs of research hospitals from January 2018 to December 2020 (modeling group) or from July 2021 to June 2022 (validation group) were included in this study. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to construct the PRM. H-L tests, calibration curves, ROC curves and decision curve analysis were used to validate the PRM. Four hundred and thirty-five and one hundred fourteen neonates were enrolled in the modeling group and validation group, including 89 and 17 neonates infected with MDRO, respectively. Four independent risk factors were obtained and the PRM was constructed, namely: P = 1/ (1+ ), X = -4.126 + 1.089× (low birth weight) +1.435× (maternal age ≥ 35 years) +1.498× (use of antibiotics >7 days) + 0.790× (MDRO colonization). A nomogram was drawn to visualize the PRM. Through internal and external validation, the PRM had good fitting degree, calibration, discrimination and certain clinical validity. The prediction accuracy of the PRM was 77.19%. Prevention and control strategies for each independent risk factor can be developed in NICUs. Moreover, clinical staff can use the PRM to early identification of neonates at high risk, and do targeted prevention to reduce MDRO infections in NICUs.

Epidemiology of Serratia marcescens infections in NICU of a Teaching and Research Hospital in Northern Italy.

Serratia marcescens (Sm) is a known cause of infection and colonization in neonates receiving intensive care. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for colonization and infection with Sm in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a tertiary care Hospital. A case-control study was conducted from January to December 2011 in neonates admitted to the NICU. Cases are patients with a microbiologically confirmed infection or colonization, controls were randomly chosen among patients admitted to the same NICU. Globally, 39 acquired infections or colonizations were identified. Among factors related to pregnancy, only premature delivery was independently associated to the risk of infection; as well as mechanical ventilation and catheterization for parenteral nutrition, considering indwelling devices. Prolonged administration with antibiotics were also related to the risk of infection. Among Sm strains which have been tested to antibiotics, all have been resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and to colistin. This study confirms the association between Sm infection or colonization and low gestational age. Invasive medical devices and medications, strictly necessary in care-support of preterm neonates, are likely related to Sm infection too. Preventive control strategies are expected to be effective in the control of Sm spread in NICUs.

Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Infections in the NICUs and Methods to Combat It.

Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A significant proportion of bacteria causing neonatal sepsis is resistant to multiple antibiotics, not only to the usual empirical first-line regimens, but also to second- and third-line antibiotics in many neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). NICUs have unique antimicrobial stewardship goals. Apart from antimicrobial resistance, NICUs have to deal with another problem, namely biofilm infections, since neonates often have central and peripheral lines, tracheal tubes and other foreign bodies for a prolonged duration. The aim of this review is to describe traditional and novel ways to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilm infections in NICUs. The topics discussed will include prevention and control of the spread of infection in NICUs, as well as the wise use of antimicrobial therapy and ways to fight biofilm infections.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of NICU Doctors and Nurses Toward Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infection With Multidrug Resistant Organism

BackgroundNosocomial infection with multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) can directly influence the curative effect and the prognosis of neonates, bringing great difficulties to clinical treatment. As direct contacts of neonates, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of doctors and nurses are critical for the prevention and control of MDRO infection in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).PurposeThis study describes the KAP of doctors and nurses in NICUs toward the prevention and control of nosocomial infection with MDRO and analyzes its influencing factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used convenience sampling to survey 397 doctors and nurses from the NICU of 28 hospitals in 11 cities in Zhejiang Province, China. A univariate analysis and a multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe median scoring rate (interquartile range) of the knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire was 0.86 (0.82–0.91), 0.98 (0.91–1.00), and 0.995 (0.97–1.00), respectively. However, the median scoring rate regarding “basic knowledge of MDRO” and “special prevention and control measures” was 0.50 in knowledge. The multiple linear regression showed that the influencing factors of KAP were hospital grade, professional title, gender, regular supervision, and training.ConclusionsThere was still room for improvement in the KAP of NICU doctors and nurses, especially regarding the knowledge. Men, doctors and nurses in Grade II hospitals, and doctors and nurses with primary professional titles had worse KAP. Training and supervision helped improve the KAP.Relevance to Clinical PracticeTo improve the KAP of doctors and nurses to enhance the prevention and control effect for the MDRO infection in NICUs, hospitals and departments should carry out targeted training and strengthen supervision, while Grade II hospitals, men, and doctors and nurses with primary professional titles need more attention.

Epidemiology of Serratia Marcescens in the Neonatal ICU of A Tertiary Hospital in Oman over a 10 Years Period

Background: Serratia marcescens has been described as a significant nosocomial organism. Several S. marcescens outbreaks in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) were described as causing fatal meningitis, sepsis or pneumonitis in premature or low birth weight neonates with a mortality rate of 44%. The primary objective of this study is to describe the outcome (mortality and length of hospital stay) of S. marcescen s infection in NICU at a tertiary care hospital over ten years (2009 -2018). Secondary objectives are to describe the incidence of S. marcescens infection/colonization in NICU, study the risk factors associated with S. marcescens infection/colonization, and the microbiology of this organism. Method: A retrospective, unmatched case-control study was conducted between January 2009 to December 2018. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0. A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of Serratia marcescens and mortality among Serratia marcescens infected patients. The Odds Ratio (OR) was reported with its 95% CI. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: A total of 93 cases had a positive culture of S. marcescens in neonates hospitalized in the NICU during the study period and 201 controls were included. 50.5% (n=47) of cases were male and 49.5% (n=46) were females. The clinical features of infection by S. marcescens range from asymptomatic colonization (16.1%) to potentially fatal sepsis (38.7%) and meningitis (1.1%). 13 cases (17.3 %) had colonization before infection. Mortality rate among infected neonates was 17%. Multivariate analysis showed that female gender (OR= 1.969, 95% CI= 1.020-3.801, P= 0.044), premature birth ((OR= 2.670, 95% CI= 1.156-6.167, P= 0.021). C-section (OR= 3.238, 95% CI= 1.591-6.591, P= 0.001), type of feeding and surgery (OR= 3.719, 95% CI= 1.546-8.946, P= 0.003) were independent predictors for acquiring S. marcescens . Female gender was an independent factor for mortality from Serratia infection (OR= 6.741, 95% CI= 1.307-34.767, P= 0.023). Conclusion: S. marcescens is an important pathogen that has a propensity to cause difficult-to-control outbreaks in NICUs. Healthcare workers' awareness of this organism and enhancement of infection prevention and control measures is a vital requirement to prevent HAIs among susceptible neonates.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonization and subsequent infection in a neonatal intensive care unit in Shanghai, China

SUMMARYBackgroundColonization has been reported to play an important role in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infection; however, the extent to which carriers develop clinical CRE infection and related risk factors in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients is unclear.AimTo investigate the frequency of CRE colonization and its contribution to infections in NICU patients.MethodsCRE colonization screening and CRE infection surveillance were performed in the NICU in 2017 and 2018.FindingsAmong 1230 unique NICU patients who were screened for CRE colonization, 144 patients tested positive (11.7%, 144/1230), with 9.2% (110/1197) in the intestinal tract, which was higher than that in the upper respiratory tract (6.6%, 62/945) (P=0.026). Gestational age, low birth weight and prolonged hospitalization were risk factors for CRE colonization (all P<0.001). Diversilab homology monitoring found an overall 17.4% (25/144) risk of infection among patients colonized with CRE. For carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CR-ECO), the risks were 19.1% (21/110) and 13.8% (4/29), respectively. The independent risk factors for CR-KP clinical infection among CR-KP carriers were receiving mechanical ventilation (odds ratio (OR), 10.177; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.667–38.830; P=0.013), a high level of neonatal nutritional risk assessment (OR, 0.251; 95% CI, 0.072–0.881; P=0.031) and a high neonatal acute physiology II (SNAP-II) score (OR, 0.256; 95% CI, 0.882–1.034; P=0.025).ConclusionsThe colonization of CRE may increase the incidence of corresponding CRE infection in NICU patients. Receiving mechanical ventilation, malnutrition and critical conditions with high SNAP-II scores were independent risk factors for subsequent CR-KP clinical infection.

Impact of postnatal age on neonatal intensive care unit bloodstream infection reporting

Due to their short- and long-term impact on patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), bloodstream infections are a closely monitored quality measure. NICU infection rates are risk-adjusted for birth weight, but not postnatal age. Our findings suggest that infection rates are not constant over time in neonates with long NICU lengths of stay and adjusting for postnatal age in addition to birth weight may improve unit comparisons.

Persistent microbial contamination of incubators despite disinfection.

In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), hygiene and disinfection measures are pivotal to protect neonates from nosocomial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the classical incubators disinfection procedure and to follow-up neonates housed in the incubators for the development of late-onset sepsis (LOS). In a tertiary NICU, 20 incubators were monitored for bacterial contamination at three times: before disinfection, after disinfection, and 24 h after turning on and housing a new neonate. Clinical data of neonates housed in these incubators were retrieved from the medical records. All 20 incubators were contaminated at the 3 times of the study, mainly on mattresses and balances. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Enterococcus, and Bacillus-resisted disinfection while enterobacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were eradicated. After 24 h, the bacterial colonisation was similar to the one observed before disinfection. The bacteria isolated on incubators were also found on the caregivers' hands. During the study, two preterm neonates developed a LOS involving a bacterial species that has been previously isolated in their incubator. Pathogenic contaminants persist on incubators despite disinfection and represent a risk for subsequent infection in preterm neonates. Improvements are needed concerning both the disinfection process and incubator design. Procedures of disinfection that are usually recommended in NICUs do not allow for totally eradicating bacteria from incubators. Preterm neonates are housed in incubators colonised with potentially pathogenic bacteria. The control of nosocomial infections in NICUs requires further researches concerning mechanisms of bacterial persistence and ways to fight against environmental colonisation.

Pantoea Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Pantoea is a plant pathogen infrequently reported to cause opportunistic bloodstream infections. This gram-negative bacillus is a rare cause of hospital-acquired infections in newborn infants with high mortality. Since the creation of the new genus Pantoea in 1989, the evidence base available to neonatal health care providers is limited. Most of the available literature consists of case reports and case series. This review aims to consolidate the current reported literature on Pantoea infections, focusing on newborn infants and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Prematurity and the associated relative immunocompromised state are major risk factors for hospital-acquired infections due to Pantoea in newborn infants. Recent advances in molecular biology have improved our understanding of the cross-kingdom pathogenesis exhibited by Pantoea. Respiratory symptoms and association with central venous lines are the most common clinical presentation of Pantoea bacteremia in newborn infants. Early institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy against this organism could be lifesaving. Therefore, it is critical for neonatologists to understand the clinical spectrum of Pantoea infections in NICUs.

Bacterial contamination of neonatal intensive care units: How safe are the neonates?

BackgroundIntensive care units (ICU) are essential healthcare facility for life threatening conditions. Bacterial contamination of objects/instruments in ICU is an important source of nosocomial infections. This study is aimed to determine the level of bacterial contamination of instruments/objects which are commonly touched by healthcare workers and frequently come in contact with the neonates.MethodsThis hospital based prospective study was conducted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. A total of 146 samples collected from surfaces of incubators, radiant warmers, suction tips, ventilators, stethoscopes, door handles, weighing machines, mothers’ beds, phototherapy beds, laryngoscope, telephone sets, blood pressure machine, etc. formed the material of the study. Isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility of the bacterial isolates was performed by standard techniques. Blood culture isolates from NICU patients during the study period were compared with the environmental isolates.ResultsOut of 146 samples, bacterial growth was observed in 109. A total of 119 bacterial isolates were retrieved from 109 samples. Three common potential pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli (n = 27), Klebsiella species (n = 21) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 18). Majority of E. coli and Klebsiella isolates were from incubators, suction tips and mothers’ beds. Majority of S. aureus isolates were cultured from radiant warmers. Among S. aureus isolates, 33.3% (6/18) were methicillin resistant. Majority of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to gentamicin and amikacin. Common potential pathogens isolated from blood culture of NICU patients were S. aureus and Klebsiella species.ConclusionHigh degree of bacterial contamination of objects/instruments in NICU was recorded. Isolation of potential pathogens like E. coli, Klebsiella species and S. aureus is a major threat of nosocomial infections. Blood culture data of NICU reflects possibility of nosocomial infections from contaminated sites. Gentamicin and amikacin may be used for empirical therapy in suspected cases of nosocomial infections in NICU.

Nurse Perceptions of Babywearing for Neonates With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) often spend several weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and have difficulty being consoled. Infant carriers may be used to help with irritability, while allowing the adult user to be more mobile, through the practice of babywearing (the facilitated holding of an infant using a soft cloth infant carrier worn on the body). To examine the experience of babywearing infants diagnosed with NAS while admitted in the NICU from the perspective of the nurses who care for them. Nurses (N = 18; mean age = 35.44 years, SD = 9.45) were recruited and interviewed using a semistructured interview method from a 38-bed NICU in the Southwestern United States. A thematic content analyses using an open coding scheme yielded 6 themes that fell into 2 categories: (1) benefits of babywearing infants with NAS in the NICU (Infant Consoling, Adult Multitasking, Caregiver-Infant Trust); and (2) suggestions to maximize babywearing in the NICU (Infection Control, Reoccurring Infant Carrier Education, and Reduced Patient Load). Many NICUs incorporate kangaroo care (or skin-to-skin contact) as a treatment option; however, NICU staff cannot participate in kangaroo care. Babywearing is a practical alternative for nurses and support staff. Nurses supported the practice of babywearing as a means to improve the well-being of infants with NAS while also allowing for increased efficiency in nursing tasks. More prospective studies are needed that evaluate the carryover effects and long-term impact of babywearing for infants diagnosed with NAS.

Enterobacter cloacae colonisation and infection in a neonatal intensive care unit: retrospective investigation of preventive measures implemented after a multiclonal outbreak

BackgroundEnterobacter cloacae species is responsible for nosocomial outbreaks in vulnerable patients in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The environment can constitute the reservoir and source of infection in NICUs. Herein we report the impact of preventive measures implemented after an Enterobacter cloacae outbreak inside a NICU.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted in one level 3 NICU in Lyon, France, over a 6 year-period (2012–2018). After an outbreak of Enterobacter cloacae infections in hospitalized neonates in 2013, several measures were implemented including intensive biocleaning and education of medical staff. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of infected patients and evolution of colonization/infection with Enterobacter spp. in this NICU were retrieved. Moreover, whole genome sequencing was performed on 6 outbreak strains.ResultsEnterobacter spp. was isolated in 469 patients and 30 patients developed an infection including 2 meningitis and 12 fatal cases. Preventive measures and education of medical staff were not associated with a significant decrease in patient colonisation but led to a persistent decreased use of cephalosporin in the NICU. Infection strains were genetically diverse, supporting the hypothesis of multiple hygiene defects rather than the diffusion of a single clone.ConclusionsGrouped cases of infections inside one setting are not necessarily related to a single-clone outbreak and could reveal other environmental and organisational problematics. The fight against implementation and transmission of Enterobacter spp. in NICUs remains a major challenge.

Frequency of Multifocal Disease and Pyogenic Arthritis of the Hip in Infants with Osteoarticular Infection in Three Neonatal Intensive Care Units

To describe the clinical features of osteoarticular infection in infants cared for in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and to assess the presence of multifocal infection. Retrospective medical record review with structured data abstraction of infants with osteomyelitis or pyogenic arthritis or both in NICUs at 3 children's hospitals over a 29-year period. Of the 45 cases identified, 87% occurred in prematurely born infants, with a median gestational age of 27.4weeks (IQR, 26, 31weeks). Median postnatal age at diagnosis of infection was 33days (IQR, 20, 50days). Osteomyelitis was present without joint involvement in 53% and with joint involvement in 44% of cases. Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (71%) was the predominant pathogen, despite prevalent methicillin-resistant S aureus in community-associated infections. More than 1 bone was infected in 34% of cases. The femur (in 50% of patients) was the most frequently involved bone and the hip (in 20% of patients) was the most frequently involved joint. Bacteremia persisted for 4 or more days in 54% of patients with a positive blood culture despite active antimicrobial therapy. Among infants with osteoarticular infection in NICUs, multifocal disease is common and frequently is unsuspected. Search for additional sites of infection including the hip is warranted following the diagnosis of osteoarticular infection at a single site. Involvement of contiguous joints should be suspected in cases of osteomyelitis; conversely the presence of pyogenic arthritis usually indicates extant osteomyelitis in a contiguous bone.

Nosocomial Infection in an Iranian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Hospital Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Background: Hospital-acquired infection is one of the main concerns in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), leading to increased mortality, hospital stay, and costs. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of hospital-acquired infection in NICUs. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in the NICU of Ali Asghar Children Hospital for one year. All admitted newborns were sampled on a simple basis. The criteria for the diagnosis of hospital-acquired infection were based on the definitions of the CDC and the NNIS system. Risk factors such as days of fully catheters usage, nurse-to-patient ratio, history of surgery, prematurity, and mechanical ventilation were considered as variables. The data collection tools consisted of a patient information questionnaire, the monthly report of the hospital infection control committee based on the NNIS system, a daily schedule of all risk factors for each infant, and the monthly nurse-to-patient ratio in the NICU. The STATA software was used for data analysis. Results: In our study, 654 newborns were enrolled. The rate of hospital-acquired infections was 13.5%. Moreover, 80.7% of the cases exhibited sepsis (72.7% diagnosed based on clinical findings and 8% based on positive blood culture). Statistical analysis showed 9% pneumonia cases, 8% surgical site infection cases, and 2.3% urinary tract infection cases. The average time to the occurrence of hospital-acquired infection was 13.5 days after admission. All risk factors were significantly higher in the infected group than in the control group (P = 0.0001). Furthermore, surgical interventions were significantly more in the infected group than in the non-infected group (34.1% vs. 6.7%, respectively, P = 0.0001). The prevalence rates in different weight ranges (less than 1000 g, 1001 to 1500 g, 1501 to 2500, and above 2501 g) were 2.6%, 6.9%, 21.4%, and 69.1%, respectively, in the infected group, which were significantly different from those of the non-infected group (P = 0.0001). The most common etiologic microorganism was Acinetobacter baumannii. Conclusions: Factors such as surgery, the presence of a central venous catheter, and the increased length of hospital stay significantly increased the hospital-acquired infections. Reducing invasive procedures, maintenance of full catheters, and providing optimal nursing care can help control hospital-acquired infections.

THE EFFECT OF APPLYING NURSING CARE BUNDLE ON CONTROLLING CENTRAL VENOUS LINE INFECTION IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Central venous line (CVL) is a necessary device used frequently in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for critically ill neonates who need continuous monitoring and resuscitation treatment. Significant evidence has accumulated indicating that CVL nursing care bundle is considered as an essential component of CVL infection prevention practice to combat the incidence of CVL infection. Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of applying nursing care bundle on controlling central venous line infection in neonatal intensive care units. Subject and method: A quasi-experimental design was used. The study was conducted at NICU at Kafr El Sheikh General Hospital. The study included a convenience sample of all available bedside/ working nurses (n= 30), 79 preterm infant (recruited for 3 months’ period). Tools: Three tools were used to collect data. Tool 1: An interview questionnaire for nurse's knowledge. Tool 2: Observational checklist used to assess nurses’ performance regarding CVL care bundle. Tool 3: Laboratory investigations tool for preterm infants. Results: More than half of studied nurses (56.7%) didn't receive any training program about CVL care bundle for controlling CVL infection in NICU and the majority of the studied nurses had insufficient knowledge, as well as the majority of the studied nurses, had an unsatisfactory practice regarding CVL care bundle preprogram. The sufficient knowledge level and satisfactory practices had improved immediately post and 3 months post program implementation. About half (51,9%) had negative CRP post-program implementation, while (54,4%) of neonates had negative blood culture post-program. Conclusion: The program had a positive effect on the NICU nurses’ knowledge & practices immediately post& post 3 months of the program implementation. Recommendation: Including CVL nursing care bundle practices into nurses’ routine care and developing regular and continuous educational programs for the nurses in NICU according to their needs aiming to upgrading their knowledge and improving their practice for critically ill neonates.

Investigation on epidemiology of nosocomial sepsis of premature infants with gestational age less than 34 weeks in Shaanxi province: a multicenter study

Objective To investigate the epidemiological data of nosocomial sepsis of premature infants with gestational age less than 34 weeks and the distribution characteristics of pathogenic bacteria in Shaanxi province. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data of premature infants born with gestational age < 34 weeks born between January 1 and December 30, 2018 in Neonatal Intensive Care Units(NICU) in 4 Grade A Class Three hospitals in Shaanxi province was performed.The high risk factors and pathogenic bacteria were analyzed by using chi-square test and t test for statistical analysis. Results Totally 823 infants were included in this study, among whom, 73 patients developed nosocomial sepsis, and the incidence was 8.9%.The mean gestational age of the 73 patients with nosocomial sepsis was (30.6±2.2) weeks and mean birth weight was (1 320.3±450.5) g. The rate of invasive ventilator was 23.4%(52/222 cases). The rate of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was 20.1% (61/303 cases). The rate of early antibiotic use was 8.1% (39/481 cases) and breast feeding rate was 9.3% (63/675 cases). The rate of PICC and ventilator use were statistically different between the non-infection group and the infection group(all P<0.05). There were 31 strains of pathogenic bacteria, among which gram-negative bacilli was the most common (22 strains, 70.9%), which mainly were klebsiella pneumoniae strains (15 strains, 48.4%), and 6 strains(19.4%) of Fungus was detected. Conclusions The incidence of nosocomial sepsis in NICU in Shaanxi province is higher, gram-negative bacilli was the most common pathogenic bacteria, among which, klebsiella pneumoniae was main, it is necessary to strengthen the regular monitoring and analysis of nosocomial infection in NICU in order to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infection and sepsis. Key words: Infant, premature; Sepsis; Multi-center study; Pathogen

Clinical Assessment of Nursing Care Regarding Prevention of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Neonates

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second common nosocomial infection in NICUs leading to some complications. Nurses are one of the main resources in health care that directly influence neonatal health care. Responsibility of most of preventive strategies related to VAP complications lies with nurses; therefore, nursing care should be assessed until the nurses show standard level of performance in hospitals. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted within 2015-2016, was to assess nursing care regarding VAP prevention in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in selected hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 100 observations of nursing care regarding VAP were selected by convenience method in NICUs of Mahdiyeh, Mofid, and Imam Hossein hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences within 2015-2016. The data collection tools included demographic information questionnaire and a developed checklist related to VAP prevention. The observations were assessed and documented with two sampling methods, including time and event sampling. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16).Results: According to the results of the current study, the rate of compliance of nursing care with the standards for prevention of VAP in neonates under mechanical ventilation in NICU with developed standards was estimated at 62.81 percent.Conclusion: Authorities should pay more attention to nursing cares especially incompetent cares explained in this study to increase the health of hospitalized neonates, decrease complications, length of stay, and costs. Moreover, future research is needed to investigate the reasons of this incompetency.

Bacterial Infections and Relevant Factors in Neonates Hospitalized at Intensive Care Unit

Background: Among the most common causes of death in preterm infants are neonatal infections, which remain high despite antibiotic therapy and preservative measures. The control of hospital infections is now a global priority, and many factors contribute to the spread of these infections. This study aimed to determine the frequency of bacterial infections in neonates and identify the common causes of infection in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the population consisted of all neonates who were admitted to the NICU of Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, from April 2017 to March 2018. Neonates who had a positive culture (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, eye discharge, and tracheal tube secretions) were enrolled. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire, including maternal and neonatal information. Results: In this study, 56 newborns admitted to the NICU of Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan were studied. Their age range was within 5-28 days (18.88±8.41). Thirty-two (57.1%) neonates were male, and 24 (42.9%) newborns were female. In total, 26 (46.4%) neonates had prematurity that was the most common reason for hospitalization. The most isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacteriaceae, Candida spp., Acinetobacter, Streptococcus pneumoniae, E. coli, and Streptococcus viridans, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the frequency of nosocomial infections in the NICU of Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan was 7.4%. The findings of this study highlighted the importance of paying more attention to controlling and preventing hospital infections in NICUs.