Risk factors and pathogens of nosocomial infection in preterm infants

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors and the pathogens of nosocomial infection in preterm infants. METHODS: The medical data of 197 preterm infants with nosocomial infection were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: The incidence of nosocomial infection was 22.2% (197/887). Small gestational age (OR=4.125, P<0.05), low birth weight (OR=5.450, P<0.05), mechanical ventilation therapy (OR=4.435, P<0.05) and delayed enteral feedings (OR=3.765, P<0.05) were found to be important risk factors for nosocomial infection. Klebsiella was the main pathogen (22.3%), followed by Staphylococcus (18.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Hygienic handwashing, decreasing invassive procedures and an early start of enteral feeding are crucial for preventing nosocomal infection in preterm infants. Klebsiella is the main pathogen of nosocomal infections［Chin J Contemp Pediatr, 2009, 11 (12):980-982］