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Bloodstream infections in pediatric oncology outpatients: a new healthcare systems challenge

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a perceived increase in central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs) among pediatric hematology-oncology outpatients.

DESIGN: A case-control study.

SETTING: A pediatric hematology-oncology outpatient clinic at Fresno Children’s Hospital.

PATIENTS: Pediatric hematology-oncology clinic outpatients with CVCs at Fresno Children’s Hospital between November 1994 and October 1997.… Read more

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A national point-prevalence survey of pediatric intensive care unit-acquired infections in the United States

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of intensive care unit-acquired infections, a major cause of morbidity in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.

METHODS: Pediatric Prevention Network hospitals (n = 31) participated in a point-prevalence survey on August 4, 1999. Data collected for all PICU inpatients included demographics, infections, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes.… Read more

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Age-related differences in cell-specific cytokine production by acutely ill Malawian patients

Abstract

Age-related changes in human cell-specific cytokine responses to acute illness have not been well examined. We therefore evaluated age-related differences in T, B and natural killer (NK) peripheral blood lymphocyte cytokine responses of 309 acutely ill hospitalized people in Malawi, Africa, < 1 month-61 years of age.… Read more

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The effects of iron deficiency on lymphocyte cytokine production and activation: preservation of hepatic iron but not at all cost

Abstract

Worldwide, over 40% of children have iron deficiency anaemia, frequently associated with infections. Certain cytokines are involved in both immune activation/response to infection and iron transport/metabolism. We therefore assessed the relations among iron deficiency, cytokine production and lymphocyte activation markers in 142 hospitalized Malawian children.… Read more

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Nosocomial infections in a children’s hospital in Argentina: impact of a unique infection control intervention program

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of parental education and use of parents as nursing assistants on reducing nosocomial infections.

DESIGN: Prospective study.

METHODS: Active surveillance for nosocomial infections was performed on two wards. On ward A, parents were educated about infection control practices and assisted nursing staff with routine tasks, so that nursing personnel could focus their efforts on procedures with higher risk of infection.… Read more

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Transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection in the United States, 1998 through 2000

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of blood components can result in transfusion-transmitted infection, but the risk is not established.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted bacteremia were reported to the CDC by participating blood collection facilities and transfusion services affiliated with the American Red Cross, AABB, or Department of Defense blood programs from 1998 through 2000.… Read more

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Prevalence of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care unit patients: Results from the first national point-prevalence survey

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Patients admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are at high risk of nosocomial infection. We conducted a national multicenter assessment of nosocomial infections in NICUs to determine the prevalence of infections, describe associated risk factors, and help focus prevention efforts.… Read more

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Comparison of serum and cell-specific cytokines in humans

Abstract

Cytokines function at the cellular, microenvironmental level, but human cytokine assessment is most commonly done at the macro level, by measuring serum cytokines. The relationships between serum and cellular cytokines, if there are any, are undefined. In a study of hospitalized patients in Malawi, we compared cytometrically assessed, cell-specific cytokine data to serum interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in 16 children and 71 (IL-2, -4, -6, -10) or 159 (IL-8, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha) adults, using Wilcoxon rank sum tests and Pearson’s (r(p)) and Spearman’s (r(s)) rank correlations.… Read more

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Physician preferences for continuing medical education with a focus on the topic of antimicrobial resistance: Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the type of media preferred for continuing medical education (CME) and to assess the factors that affect physician preferences for CME in general and on the special topic of antimicrobial resistance.

DESIGN: A voluntary survey of the membership of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Inc.… Read more

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Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization in patients at seven hemodialysis centers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are increasing in prevalence at many institutions, and are often reported in dialysis patients. We studied the prevalence of and risk factors for VRE at seven outpatient hemodialysis centers (three in Baltimore, MD, USA, and four in Richmond, VA, USA).… Read more

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Nosocomial outbreak of Microbacterium species bacteremia among cancer patients

Abstract

To date, only 6 sporadic Microbacterium species (formerly coryneform Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] groups A-4 and A-5) infections have been reported. The source, mode of transmission, morbidity, mortality, and potential for nosocomial transmission of Microbacterium species remain unknown.… Read more

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Intracellular cytokines in the acute response to highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is usually associated with a rapid decline in HIV plasma RNA levels and a gradual increase in CD4 T cells. We examined whether changes in cytokine production and profile precede other immunological changes and whether these might occur in temporal association with plasma HIV RNA changes.… Read more

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Cytokines and malaria parasitemia

Abstract

The balance between pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines may be important in malaria presentation and outcome. Malaria tends to be more severe in children than in adults, presumably because partial immunity develops with age. However, the full nature of, and age-related differences in, anti-malarial immunity are unknown.… Read more

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Risk factors for candidal bloodstream infections in surgical intensive care unit patients: the NEMIS prospective multicenter study. The National Epidemiology of Mycosis Survey

Abstract

To assess risk factors for development of candidal blood stream infections (CBSIs), a prospective cohort study was performed at 6 sites that involved all patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) for 48 h over a 2-year period.… Read more

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Use and efficacy of tuberculosis infection control practices at hospitals with previous outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation and efficacy of selected Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for preventing spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

DESIGN: Analysis of prospective observational data.

SETTING: Two medical centers where outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) had occurred.… Read more

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Costs and savings associated with infection control measures that reduced transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in an endemic setting

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the costs and savings of a 15-component infection control program that reduced transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in an endemic setting.

DESIGN: Evaluation of costs and savings, using historical control data.

SETTING: Adult oncology unit of a 650-bed hospital.… Read more

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Anesthesia-associated carbon monoxide exposures among surgical patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the extent of, and evaluate risk factors for, elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels among patients undergoing general anesthesia and to identify the source of carbon monoxide.

DESIGN: Matched case-control study to measure carboxyhemoglobin levels.

SETTING: Large academic medical center.… Read more

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Observational study of the use of infection control interventions for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pediatric facilities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hospital transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is a problem in US facilities where adults are treated. However, specific guidelines for facilities in which pediatric patients are cared for have never been defined, nor has any study attempted to assess pediatric health care worker (HCW) compliance with TB infection control (IC) guidelines.… Read more

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Nosocomial infection rates in US children’s hospitals’ neonatal and pediatric intensive care units

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on nosocomial infections (NIs) in US children’s hospitals’ neonatal or pediatric intensive care units. The Pediatric Prevention Network (PPN) was established to improve characterization of NIs in pediatric patients and to develop and test interventions to decrease NI.… Read more

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A prospective study of vascular access infections at seven outpatient hemodialysis centers

Abstract

Vascular access infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients, and the use of antimicrobials to treat such infections contributes to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. To determine the incidence of and risk factors for vascular access infections, we studied hemodialysis patients at 7 outpatient dialysis centers (4 in Richmond, VA, and 3 in Baltimore, MD) during December 1997 to July 1998.… Read more

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Serratia liquefaciens bloodstream infections from contamination of epoetin alfa at a hemodialysis center

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In a one month period, 10 Serratia liquefaciens bloodstream infections and 6 pyrogenic reactions occurred in outpatients at a hemodialysis center.

METHODS: We performed a cohort study of all hemodialysis sessions on days that staff members reported S. liquefaciens bloodstream infections or pyrogenic reactions.… Read more

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Control of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus in health care facilities in a region

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In late 1996, vancomycin-resistant enterococci were first detected in the Siouxland region of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. A task force was created, and in 1997 the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was sought in assessing the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in the region’s facilities and implementing recommendations for screening, infection control, and education at all 32 health care facilities in the region.… Read more

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Utility of paired BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC blood culture vials for detection of bacteremia, mycobacteremia, and fungemia

Abstract

In previous bloodstream infection studies in Malawi, we inoculated blood from a single venesection into a single BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC (MFL) vial. Inoculation of one vial, however, would be expected to reduce the sensitivity of bloodstream pathogen detection with MFL vials.… Read more

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Serratia marcescens transmission in a pediatric intensive care unit: a multifactorial occurrence

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fourteen patients in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) had or =1 positive culture for a single strain of Serratia marcescens from April through December 1995 (study period).

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for S marcescens infection or colonization in a pediatric CICU.… Read more

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Colonization of skilled-care facility residents with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of and risk factors for colonization of skilled-care unit residents by several antimicrobial-resistant bacterial species, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), or extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL-producing) (ceftazidime resistant) Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli.

DESIGN: Point-prevalence survey and medical record review.… Read more

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Infection control and changing health-care delivery systems

Abstract

In the past, health care was delivered mainly in acute-care facilities. Today, health care is delivered in hospital, outpatient, transitional care, long-term care, rehabilitative care, home, and private office settings. Measures to reduce health-care costs include decreasing the number of hospitals and the length of patient stays, increasing outpatient and home care, and increasing long-term care for the elderly.… Read more

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Reality check: should we try to detect and isolate vancomycin-resistant enterococci patients?

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance, including vancomycin resistance in enterococci (VRE), is a growing problem in healthcare facilities. This “Reality Check” session focused on the question of whether we should try to detect and isolate patients colonized or infected with VRE.

Ostrowsky B, Steinberg JT, Farr B, Sohn AH, Sinkowitz-Cochran RL, Jarvis WR

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2001 Feb;22(2):116-9

PMID: 11232874… Read more

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Evaluation of a successful vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus prevention intervention in a community of health care facilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In April 1997, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) emerged in several health care facilities in the Siouxland region and a VRE Task Force was formed. From 1997 through 1999, an evaluation of VRE prevalence at 30 facilities was performed.

METHODS: In 1999, we conducted a survey and focus groups of health care workers to address initial reactions to VRE, feasibility of the Task Force recommendations, and lessons learned.… Read more

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Emerging healthcare-associated problem pathogens in the United States

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Dramatic changes in the delivery of healthcare during the past decade have changed the definition of healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare delivery changes include a reduction in the number of general hospital beds, an increase in the proportion of patients who are in intensive care units, a larger proportion of surgical procedures performed as outpatient procedures, a marked increase in patients cared for in outpatient settings, and an increase in the delivery of healthcare in the home setting.… Read more

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Seasonal variation in the etiology of bloodstream infections in a febrile inpatient population in a developing country

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Published data suggest that Streptococcus pneumoniae, non-typhi Salmonella species, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the predominant causes of bloodstream infection (BSI) in hospitalized populations in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted during the wet season to ascertain the etiology and prevalence of BSI among febrile inpatients in a hospital where the dry season BSI profile in a similar study population had already been documented.… Read more

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Invasive aspergillosis outbreak on a hematology-oncology ward

Abstract

An outbreak of invasive aspergillosis occurred in a community hospital in temporal association with construction activity. Epidemiological investigation showed that patients who are at highest risk comprise a small group and are readily identifiable. Clinicians should strive to protect these patients, following guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.… Read more

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Pyrogenic reactions associated with single daily dosing of intravenous gentamicin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with an unexpected outbreak of pyrogenic reactions (PR) following intravenous gentamicin.

DESIGN: We conducted two cohort studies. PRs were defined as chills, rigors, or shaking within 3 hours after initiating the gentamicin infusion during the preepidemic (December 1, 1997-January 15, 1998) or epidemic (May 1-June 15, 1998) periods.… Read more

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The Internet: a practical example of the use of new technology in the assessment of vancomycin use in pediatrics. The Pediatric Prevention Network

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rapid emergence of both new infections and new technologies has revolutionized health care during the past 50 years. Increased use of the Internet has enabled health care professionals to educate, interact, and collaborate throughout the world in ways never before possible.… Read more

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Status of infection surveillance and control programs in the United States, 1992-1996. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections have been recognized as a source of morbidity and mortality throughout the world for several decades. In the United States, an estimated 2.1 million nosocomial infections occur annually in acute care hospitals alone. Infection surveillance and control programs (ISCPs) play a vital role in addressing this problem, but no national studies have described the status and composition of these programs since the 1970s.… Read more

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An epidemic of corneal destruction caused by plasma gas sterilization. The Toxic Cell Destruction Syndrome Investigative Team

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Toxic endothelial cell destruction (TECD) syndrome after intraocular ophthalmic surgery is rare and can result from exposure to a variety of toxins. During January 8 to 14, 1998, 6 patients developed TECD with corneal edema associated with unreactive or dilated pupils at Hospital A.… Read more

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Natural T, gammadelta, and NK cells in mycobacterial, Salmonella, and human immunodeficiency virus infections

Abstract

NK cells, gammadelta T cell antigen receptor chain-positive cells, and CD3(+)CD16/56(+) (natural T [NT]) cells are involved in innate immunity and immunoregulation; however, their role in clinical infection is not well defined. Cytofluorometric analysis was used to examine peripheral blood from bacteremic, nonbacteremic, and healthy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and -negative persons in Malawi, Africa.… Read more

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Risk factors for acquisition of vancomycin-resistant enterococci among patients on a renal ward during a community hospital outbreak

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection and colonization at a community hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, we performed a case-control study of patients on the hospital’s renal unit to determine risk factors for acquisition of VRE among this potentially high-risk patient population.… Read more

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Comparison of BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC and WAMPOLE ISOLATOR 10 (lysis-centrifugation) systems for detection of bacteremia, mycobacteremia, and fungemia in a developing country

Abstract

In less-developed countries, studies of bloodstream infections (BSI) have been hindered because of the difficulty and costs of culturing blood for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi. During two study periods (study period I [1997] and study period II [1998]), we cultured blood from patients in Malawi by using the BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC (MFL), ISOLATOR 10 (Isolator), Septi-Chek AFB (SC-AFB), and Septi-Chek bacterial (SC-B) systems.… Read more

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Acute onset of decreased vision and hearing traced to hemodialysis treatment with aged dialyzers

Abstract

CONTEXT: A recent event in which 7 patients at 1 hospital developed decreased vision and hearing, conjunctivitis, headache, and other severe neurologic symptoms 7 to 24 hours after hemodialysis drew attention to the issue of the long-term integrity of dialysis machines and materials.… Read more

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A hospital-based prevalence survey of bloodstream infections in febrile patients in Malawi: implications for diagnosis and therapy

Abstract

The etiology of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in febrile (or =37.5 degrees C) adults (or =18 years old) in one Malawi hospital were determined during August and September 1997. After clinical evaluation, blood was drawn for comprehensive culture, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 testing, and malaria smear.… Read more

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Outbreaks of infection and/or pyrogenic reactions in dialysis patients

Abstract

These dialysis-related outbreaks demonstrate the ongoing potential for infection-related morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients. Many of these outbreaks could have been prevented by adequate water treatment, proper disinfection of water systems and dialysis machines, adherence to recommended reprocessing protocols in centers reusing dialyzers, and more stringent quality control monitoring.… Read more

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Determining the significance of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures at a community hospital: a role for species and strain identification

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the degree to which species identification or strain relatedness assessment of successive blood culture isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) may improve the clinical diagnosis of bloodstream infection (BSI).

SETTING: 400-bed community hospital.

DESIGN: Prospective laboratory survey during which all CNS blood culture isolates obtained between mid-August 1996 and mid-February 1997 (study period) were saved and later identified to the species level; selected isolates were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).… Read more

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Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ventriculitis among patients in a neurosurgical intensive care unit

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cause of an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cerebral ventriculitis among eight patients at a community hospital neurosurgical intensive care unit. All had percutaneous external ventricular catheters (EVCs) to monitor cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.

METHODS: Cohort study of all patients who had EVCs placed during the epidemic period (August 8-October 22, 1997).… Read more

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A prolonged outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a neonatal intensive care unit: did staff fingernails play a role in disease transmission?

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection (BSI) and endotracheal tube (ETT) colonization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), determine risk factors for infection, and make preventive recommendations.

DESIGN: A 15-month cohort study followed by a case-control study with an environmental survey and molecular typing of available isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.… Read more

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Risk factors for radial artery harvest site infection following coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract

Radial arteries increasingly are used during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Although risk factors for saphenous vein harvest site infection (HSI) have been reported, rates of and risk factors for radial artery HSI are not well established. We compared rates of radial artery HSI that were detected by 2 surveillance methods, regular and heightened.… Read more

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Nosocomial tuberculosis prevention measures among two groups of US hospitals, 1992 to 1996

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare trends in nosocomial tuberculosis (TB) prevention measures and health-care worker (HCW) tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion of hospitals with HIV-related Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) patients and other US hospitals from 1992 through 1996.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Surveys in 1992 and 1996 of 38 hospitals with PCP patients in four high-HIV-incidence cities and 136 other US hospitals from the American Hospital Association membership list.… Read more

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Vancomycin use in pediatric hematology-oncology patients

Abstract

Across-sectional study was performed of pediatric hematology-oncology patients who received vancomycin; use was compared to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for vancomycin use. Thirty-seven patients received 308 doses of vancomycin. AR patients initially received vancomycin as empirical therapy; 100% of this use was not consistent with the CDC recommendations.… Read more

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The influence of the composition of the nursing staff on primary bloodstream infection rates in a surgical intensive care unit

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors for acquisition of nosocomial primary bloodstream infections (BSIs), including the effect of nursing-staff levels, in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients.

DESIGN: A nested case-control study.

SETTING: A 20-bed SICU in a 1,000-bed inner-city public hospital.… Read more

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Enterobacter cloacae bloodstream infections traced to contaminated human albumin

Abstract

In August 1996, a patient in Kansas developed an Enterobacter cloacae bloodstream infection (BSI) shortly after receiving Albuminar, a brand of human albumin. Albuminar contamination was suspected. A case-control study of patients with primary gram-negative bacterial BSIs showed that patients with E.… Read more

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Modifiable risk factors associated with deep sternal site infection after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to identify risk factors for deep sternal site infection after coronary artery bypass grafting at a community hospital.

METHODS: We compared the prevalence of deep sternal site infection among patients having coronary artery bypass grafting during the study (January 1995-March 1998) and pre-study (January 1992-December 1994) periods.… Read more