Risk Factors for Central line – associated Bloodstream Infections.

Objective: To carry out surveillance of central line – associated bloodstream infections in a Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and determine associated risk factors. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over 1.5 years in the PICU. CDC definitions for these infections were followed and associated risk factors were identified. Results: Of 265 enrolled children with central line, 13 developed blood stream infections (incidence density 5.03/1000 central-line days). Significant risk factors included changing the central-line, especially triple lumen, and frequently accessing the central-line. Conclusion: Central-line associated bloodstream infections are preventable primary bacteremias and intervention strategies for prevention should be based on evidence generated to devise future protocols.

Hand Hygiene Compliance of Healthcare Workers in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

We conducted an observational study over 11 months to assess the hand-hygiene compliance of health-care workers in a Pediatric intensive care unit. The overall compliance was 80.9%, which decreased with increase in workload (79.2% vs. 82.9%). Assessment of hand hygiene compliance helps understand the gaps in practices followed by healthcare workers, and plan effective protocols.