Simple Strategies to Reduce Healthcare Associated Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Line, Tube, and Hand Hygiene

Surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAI) is a priority in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), given the critical immune status of patients. The aim of this study was to assess surface bacterial contamination before and after improving cleaning and disinfection practices.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in March 2018. Surface samples were taken from the same areas in three steps: after cleaning, after "improved" cleaning, and after terminal disinfection using hydrogen peroxide vapor (VHP). Sampling and culture was carried out according to standard ISO14698-1: 2004. Results interpretation was based on the thresholds defined by good hospital pharmacy practice. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 21.0 and a P-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant.

In total, 290 samples were taken from different zones: fixed equipment (69%), aseptic washbasins (12%), pneumatic system (9%), computer equipment (6%) and mobile equipment (4%). Prevalence of non-compliances after cleaning and disinfection was 75%, 10% after “improved” cleaning, and 0% after automated VHP (P < 0.0001). Median of CFU was 24[EI (0–625)] after standard cleaning, 2[EI (0–35)] after “improved” cleaning and 0 [EI (0–3)] after VHP (P < 0.0001). Isolated germs werecoagulase-negative Staphylococcus (31.2%), Acinetobacter baumannii (26%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (9%), E. coli (4%) and Enterobacter sp (1.3%).

Improved cleaning and disinfection practices associated to VHP give microbiological satisfactory results. It is important to educate cleaning staff for effective surface cleaning and disinfection operations to control HAI.

We instituted quality improvement program. We compare the infection rate before (2011-2012) and after (2013-2015). Central line associated blood stream infection episodes decreased from 15.2 to 2.29 episodes per 1000 catheter days (P = .004). We found two major changes, 1. Hand hygiene increased mainly “before aseptic task”, from 69.9% to 89.9% and 2. A significant decrease in the length of the catheter use from 5.4 ± 4.5 before to 4.4 ± 2.5 days after the intervention (P = .001).

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de un conjunto de 5 intervenciones sobre la incidencia de infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria en una unidad de Neonatología de nivel iii.

Estudio cuasiexperimental pre-postintervención. Se incluyó a aquellos prematuros con peso al nacimiento < 1.500 g o edad gestacional < 32 semanas que ingresaron en los 12 meses previos y posteriores a la implantación de las medidas (enero del 2014). Las intervenciones consistieron en optimizar la higiene de manos, protocolizar la inserción y la manipulación de catéteres intravenosos centrales, fomentar la alimentación con leche materna, implantar una política de uso racional de antibióticos y establecer un sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica de gérmenes multirresistentes. Como variable principal se analizó la densidad de incidencia de infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria antes y después de implementar las medidas.

Fueron incluidos 33 pacientes en cada período, homogéneos en edad gestacional, peso y otras variables demográficas. Se constató una densidad de incidencia de 8,7 y 2,7 infecciones/1.000 días de estancia en los períodos pre y postintervención respectivamente (p < 0,05). También se halló una disminución estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje de días en ventilación mecánica, así como de pacientes que recibieron hemoderivados y fármacos vasoactivos.

Esta estrategia, basada en la puesta en marcha de 5 medidas concretas, fue efectiva en la disminución de infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria en una unidad con tasas elevadas de dichas infecciones. Esta reducción pudo contribuir a una menor tasa de empleo de ventilación mecánica, hemoderivados y fármacos vasoactivos en el período postintervención.

An evaluation is made of the impact of a series of five interventions on the incidence of hospital-related infections in a level iii neonatal unit.

Quasi-experimental, pre-post intervention study, which included preterm infants weighing 1,500 g at birth or delivered at <32 weeks gestation, admitted in the 12 months before and after the measures were implemented (January 2014). The measures consisted of: optimising hand washing, following a protocol for insertion and handling of central intravenous catheters, encouraging breastfeeding; applying a protocol for rational antibiotic use, and establishing a surveillance system for multi-resistant bacteria. The primary endpoint was to assess the incidence of hospital-acquired infections before and after implementing the interventions.

Thirty-three matched patients were included in each period. There was an incidence of 8.7 and 2.7 hospital-related infections/1,000 hospital stay days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively (P<.05). Additionally, patients in the treatment group showed a statistically-significant decrease in days on mechanical ventilation, use of blood products, and vasoactive drugs.

The strategy, based on implementing five specific measures in a unit with a high rate of hospital-related infections, proved effective in reducing their incidence. This reduction could contribute to lowering the use of mechanical ventilation, blood products, and vasoactive drugs.

To describe a quality improvement (QI) initiative that was associated with a dramatic reduction in neonatal central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate in a diverse group of 8 intensive care nurseries (Neonatal Services).

A quasi-experimental time series QI initiative using the model for improvement and evidenced-based interventions.

The aggregate CLABSI rate for Nationwide Children's Hospital-associated Neonatal Services decreased from 6.0 CLABSI per 1000 catheter days to 1.43 CLABSI per 1000 catheter days in less than 2 years and has remained in control at 0.68 per 1000 catheter days for over 5 years. Each of 8 nurseries has had a 1 year or more CLABSI-free period, including the neonatal intensive care unit with the largest patient volume, acuity, and central line usage. Aggregate Neonatal Services has experienced 3 CLABSI-free quarters since 2007. Key success factors included: (1) engagement of senior executive leadership; (2) bedside “huddles” among clinical and epidemiology staffs conducted within 72 hours after a positive blood culture; (3) implementation of chlorhexidine antisepsis and the use of chlorhexidine-impregnated catheter site discs; and (4) and establishment of a dedicated team for percutaneously inserted central catheter insertion to serve units in which central lines are placed less frequently.

Using the model for improvement and evidenced-based interventions, this QI project has been associated with reduction in the CLABSI rate by 89%, and over 430 CLABSIs likely have been avoided.

To check the oral colonization in neonates at high-risk and to associate these cases with candidemia.

This study was conducted in the NICU. For six months, 125 high-risk neonates were investigated for oral colonization and septicemia by yeasts. From this total, 19 neonates had yeasts on the oral mucosae and 12 neonates developed fungemia. All of the 12 neonates with fungemia were included in the amount of 19 who have presented oral colonization by yeasts.

There was a species concordance between the yeasts of the oral mucosae and the blood in 6 neonates (50%) among the 12 neonates with oral colonization and septicemia at the same time. The yeasts isolated in these 6 cases regarding the species concordance were Candida albicans (5 cases, 83.4%) and Candida parapsilosis (1 case, 16.6%). All of the cases involving an association were confirmed by PFGE. All of the strains of yeasts involved in oral colonization and also blood presented the same karyotype. A total of 66.6% of the patients with strains in agreement progressed to death.

The results indicate the relevance of monitoring the oral microbiota, as a possible source of fungal infection, and assisting to develop appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Vérifier la colonisation orale des nouveau-nés à haut risque et à associer ces cas avec une candidémie.

Cette étude a été réalisée à l’USIN. Pendant six mois, 125 nouveau-nés à haut risque ont été étudiés pour la colonisation de levures dans la cavité buccale et l’existence d’une levurémie. De ce total, 19 nouveau-nés ont la levure dans la muqueuse buccale et 12 nouveau-nés ont développé une fongémie. Tous les 12 nouveau-nés avec fongémie ont été inclus dans le montant de 19 qui ont présenté colonisation orale par les levures.

Il y avait une concordance entre les espèces de levures de la muqueuse buccale et du sang chez 6 nouveau-nés (50 %) parmi les 12 nouveau-nés avec colonisation orale et septicémie simultanées. Les levures isolées dans ces 6 cas étaient Candida albicans (5 cas, 83,4 %) et Candida parapsilosis (1 cas, 16,6 %). Tous les cas impliquant une association ont été confirmés par PFGE. Toutes les souches de levures dans la colonisation orale et l’hémoculture présentaient le même caryotype. Soixante-six pour cent des patients avec la même espèce (cavité buccale et sang) sont décédés.

Les résultats montrent la pertinence du suivi de la flore buccale, comme une source possible d’infection fongique, et comme aide à élaborer une stratégie thérapeutique appropriée.