Nosocomial bloodstream infection in pediatric patients: Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok; 1996-1999.

A retrospective study on nosocomial bloodstream infection (NBSI) in pediatric patients hospitalized at Siriraj Hospital from January 1996 to December 1999 was performed. Of the 18,087 blood specimens sent for culture, 533 (3%) were positive for organisms after 72 hours of hospitalization and were defined as NBSI. The rate of NBSI detected in blood culture specimens was highest among neonates (5.2%). Gram-positive cocci and gram-negative rods caused NBSI in an equal proportion (46% and 44% respectively) and Candida caused 10 per cent of NBSI. Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the most common pathogen followed by K. pneumoniae and Enterobacter. Antibiogram showed that 15 of the 35 (43%) S. aureus identified were methicillin-resistant. Only 35-38 per cent of Enterobacteriaceae were sensitive to cefotaxime or ceftazidime. Cefoxitin was still effective against 95 per cent of K. pneumoniae. Compared with other third generation cephalosporins, combination of cefoperazone and betalactamase-inhibitor (sulbactam) possessed an increased in vitro efficacy against K. pneumoniae, Enterobacter, E. coli, Acinetobacter and non-fermentative gram-negative rods. Resistant rate of amikacin among all gram negative rods was 25-69 per cent. Ciprofloxacin sensitivity varied from 62-100 per cent among all gram-negative rods. Imipenem was excellent against all gram-negative rods with the sensitivity of 80-100 per cent. Epidemiological data of this study is important for the decision of the appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment in our hospital.

An outbreak of Norwegian scabies in a surgical ward.

An outbreak of Norwegian scabies in a surgical ward of a teaching hospital was reported. The source of infestation was an elderly diabetic. The epidemic involved 28 of 32 medical personnel in the ward and 3 family contacts. All infected individuals were given a two-course treatment with hexachlorcyclohexane gel. Control of the outbreak was achieved by strict handwashing after patient contact, application of gowns and gloves for contact with skin lesions and the treatment of infected persons. Norwegian scabies in institutions is on the rise, vigilance for its occurrence is needed.

Infusion-related phlebitis.

The incidence rate and risk factors of infusion-related phlebitis was studied in 1993. Thirty-five hospitals were enrolled. Data were collected from 6,256 infusion sites. Male and female patients were almost equal. Forearms were the commonest site of infusion, followed by hand and arm respectively. In 34.1 per cent the infusion was interrupted by complications of which 6.2 per cent was phlebitis. It was mild in most cases. Increased incidence rates of infusion related phlebitis were associated with: the use of plastic cannulas, dextrose containing solutions, administration at the sites other than hand and concomitant administration of antimicrobials. The incidence rate of phlebitis rose sharply after 24 hours of infusion. It is concluded that in addition to proper insertion and good nursing care, the avoidance of the above risk factors will lead to a lower incidence of infusion-associated phlebitis.

Infusion phlebitis in medical and surgical patients in Siriraj Hospital.

A study on infusion phlebitis was done in medical and surgical departments in Siriraj Hospitals from February to April 1992. Two hundred and eighty-one patients and 406 infusion sites were included. The infusion time was 40.6 +/- 31.9 hours. The incidence rate of phlebitis was 25.9%. There was no difference in its occurrence in medical and surgical patients. Dorsum of the hand was the site associated with low incidence and less severe phlebitis. The contrary applied to the forearm and arm. Plastic cannulae were associated with higher incidence, more severe phlebitis than steel needles, but this was not statistically significant. Intravenous antimicrobials were followed by higher incidence and more severe phlebitis. The value of early diagnosis of infusion phlebitis so as to halt its progress was also demonstrated in the study. In no case was the phlebitis, in the most severe form i.e. grade 5, encountered.