NEW YORK - A new study of pediatric patients has found that as many as 12 percent leave the intensive care unit with life-threatening infections acquired during their time in the hospital.

The national survey, which was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), noted that out of 512 children surveyed, there were 75 infections in 61 patients. The most prevalent infections were staphylococci, Candida spp, enterococci and 

These infections reportedly increase tripled the risk of death of non-infected children within four weeks of surgery. Children who had a catheter, IV or were on a ventilator were at an increased risk for infection.

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Operating Room

 operating room page provides news articles and videos on the intersection between surgery and infection prevention. The operating room is a prime breeding ground for harmful pathogens to spread, resulting in surgical site infections. The role of the infection preventionist, together with the perioperative nursing staff, is to craft policies and processes to cut down on these infections and ensure patient safety during surgical procedures. 

Children in Intensive Care Get New Infections