HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Abstract

Mădălina "Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are the infections that develop clinically after 48 hours of admission in the hospital. Nosocomial infections occur within 48-72 hours of admission and are characterized by significantly higher incidence of infections resistant to treatment. Exogenous or endogenous pathogenic microorganisms can cause healthcare-associated illnesses. The clinical expertise of senior physicians and some prior studies indicated that the risk factors for HAI included both the patients own characteristics, as well as extrinsic factors. Patients’ characteristics may include age, sex, body weight, intrinsic comorbidities, diabetes mellitus, and immunological factors, while external factors may be represented by invasive procedures, medications, mechanical ventilation, surgery time in minutes, reoperation, cephalosporin exposure, days of exposure to central venous catheter, and stays in intensive care units. Monitoring of HAIs and application of preventive measures are essential in order to lower their incidence. Keywords: healthcare associated infections, intensive care unit"