American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Aug 2004
ReviewInfection control and its application to the administration of intravenous medications during gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Several infection control practices and procedures crucial to the prevention of disease transmission in the health care setting are reviewed and discussed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of infection control to gastrointestinal endoscopy. Recommendations that minimize the risk of nosocomial infection during the preparation, handling, and administration of intravenous medications, particularly propofol, are provided. These recommendations include the labeling of predrawn syringes; use of sterile single-use syringes, needles, and administration sets for each patient; and, whenever feasible, administration of intravenous medications promptly after opening their prefilled syringes or after opening their ampoules or vials and filling the sterile syringes.
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The tested device is a new connecting tool for infusion systems that has been designed to replace conventional single-use stopcocks. Because outbreaks of bloodstream infections have been observed during the use of similar connectors in the United States, we examined the microbiological safety of the connecting device after artificial contamination in the laboratory setting and during routine clinical use. ⋯ The novel connecting device was microbiologically safe and did not increase microbial contamination rates of intravenous infusion systems.
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Am J Infect Control · Jun 2004
Comparative StudyNosocomial pneumonia in the intensive care unit of a Brazilian university hospital: an analysis of the time span from admission to disease onset.
In addition to controversies as to the definition of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) because of the lack of a widely accepted diagnostic standard, there has been no agreement concerning the time span from hospital admission to disease onset. This study aims at both estimating the time span, in hours, from admission to the occurrence of suspected NP and investigating risk factors that might influence this time span. ⋯ Our finding for the estimated mean NP-free time span at the HUPES/ICU is somewhat in accordance with the literature (48 to 72 hours). Patients at HUPES/ICU might be considered as showing early NP, because they were diagnosed before the 5th day after admission. Preventive measures to NP should be reviewed and intensified at the HUPES/ICU, especially as related to mechanical ventilation.
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Am J Infect Control · Jun 2004
Comparative StudyEnteric gram-negative bacilli bloodstream infections: 17 years' experience in a neonatal intensive care unit.
To assess the occurrence of enteric gram-negative bacilli (EGNB) bloodstream infections (BSI) in a neonatal intensive care setting during a 17-year period in which a consistent antibiotic treatment program was in place. To document infections, outbreaks, or epidemics, emergence of antibiotic resistance, clinical correlates, and outcomes of the most prevalent EGNB (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae). ⋯ Antepartum antibiotic prophylaxis may have increased antibiotic resistance in E coli isolates from early-onset BSI but has dramatically decreased group B streptococcus infections. Late-onset BSI caused by EGNB increased, but without changes in antibiotic susceptibility. In spite of medical advances, E coli, K pneumoniae, and E cloacae remain responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in very low birth weight infants.