Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of
Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey | Department of Pediatric Emergency, Istanbul Bakirkoy
Obstetrics/Gynecology and Children Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey | Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Institute of
Child Health, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Demet Demirkol, Department of Pediatric
Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Cad,
Fındıkzade, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel.: +90 212 414 2000/31603; +90
532 645 1474; Fax: +90 21233527498; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Nosocomial infections threaten hospitalized patients and can lead to
complications in 25–50% of those admitted to intensive care units.
Nosocomial infections increase both morbidity and mortality. Infection control
has a particularly important role in pediatric intensive care units; it must
take into account the specificity of critically ill pediatric patients' needs
and environment. Multidrug-resistant organisms cause severe and extensive
disease. The prevention and control of multidrug-resistant organisms is a
national priority, one that will require that all care facilities and agencies
assume responsibility. Evidence-based process improvement can lead to
significant reductions in hospital-acquired infections in children. Most of the
process and practices, when performed routinely and appropriately, can lead to
reductions in hospital-acquired infections. This review addresses issues that
characterize infection control in pediatric intensive care units.
Keywords: Nosocomial infections, pediatric intensive care unit, critically ill, pediatrics
