Nosocomial infections in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. A review of 55 cases

Fifty-five cases of nosocomial infection seen between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1995 were reviewed. Mean patient age was 2 1/2 months, and 80% of patients were neonates, The diagnosis was based on development of physical, laboratory, and/or radiological manifestations 48 h or more after admission, Most organisms recovered from cultures of blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid samples were multidrug-resistant gram-negative rods, with the most common being Klebsiella pneumoniae. The severity of the infections warranted use of treatments not yet approved for pediatric use, such as fluoroquinolones, Thirty-seven patients survived. Of the 18 patients who died, 16 were neonates, No osteoarticular and/or dental side effects were recorded in the fluoroquinolone-treated patients in whom mean follow-up was 16 months. Prevention remains the most effective means of combating the scourge of nosocomial infection. Nosocomial infection control committees should be given an active role.