Infection control and prevention strategies in the ICU

摘要: Although only 5–10% of all hospitalized patients are treated in ICUs, they account for approximately 25% nosocomial infections, and the incidence infections ICUs is 5–10 times higher than that observed general hospital wards. Systemic respiratory far more common wards, most epidemics originate, ICUs. Nosocomial primary focus infection control programmes because cause high mortality rates Effective usually based on cooperation intensive care physician, infectious disease specialist, microbiologist clinical epidemiologist. The specialist develops specific guidelines antimicrobial therapy typical which minimize selective pressure microorganisms within ICU. provides rapid accurate diagnosis pathogens involved. epidemiologist identifies at early stages, using epidemiological tools molecular typing methods, as well summarizing trends susceptibility patterns setting standards isolation practices. A simple inexpensive way to reduce ensure staff disinfect their hands after dealing with a patient. Intravascular devices, mechanical ventilation urinary catheterization major risk factors use should be evaluated daily discontinued soon clinically possible. Selective decontamination digestive tract standard immunoglobulin prophylaxis still controversial need further investigation. monoclonal antibodies, such anti-endotoxin has failed improve prognosis critically ill septic Today, threat ICU increase multiply-resistant microor-ganisms: methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, enterococci andCandida spp. particular.