Next Steps for Health Care-Associated Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Sandhya S Brachio; Wendi Gu; Lisa Saiman

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2023.02.001

Next Steps for Health Care-Associated Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Clin Perinatol. 2023 Jun;50(2):381-397. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.02.001. Epub 2023 Apr 4.

Authors

Sandhya S Brachio¹, Wendi Gu², Lisa Saiman³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, PH17, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, PH17, New York, NY 10032, USA.
³ Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, PH1-470, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.

PMID: 37201987
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.02.001

Abstract

We discuss the burden of health care-associated infections (HAIs) in the neonatal ICU and the role of quality improvement (QI) in infection prevention and control. We examine specific QI opportunities and approaches to prevent HAIs caused by Staphylococcus aureus , multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens, Candida species, and respiratory viruses, and to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and surgical site infections. We explore the emerging recognition that many hospital-onset bacteremia episodes are not CLABSIs. Finally, we describe the core tenets of QI, including engagement with multidisciplinary teams and families, data transparency, accountability, and the impact of larger collaborative efforts to reduce HAIs.

Keywords: HAI; Infection prevention; NICU; Quality improvement; Stewardship.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Catheter-Related Infections*
Cross Infection* / prevention & control
Delivery of Health Care
Hospitals
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal