Infection in the pediatric intensive care unit

Preview

The incidence of nosocomial infections is higher in the pediatric intensive care unit than in the general pediatric unit. One of the main reasons for this is the use of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic devices and procedures that predispose patients to infection. Although many of the complications that result from use of these devices are unavoidable, the risk of infection can be reduced. Drs Clendenen and Ryan discuss ways—many of which are surprisingly simple—to prevent infectious complications in the at-risk pediatric patient.