Pediatria pre prax 6/2025
Nosocomial infections in the neonatal intensive care unit: a three-year monocentric retrospective analysis and experience with prevention
Introduction: Nosocomial infections have a significant impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality, posing a major challenge in neonatal intensive care. Premature and low birth weight newborns are particularly at risk due to their immature immune system, frequent exposure to invasive procedures, and prolonged hospitalization.
Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of nosocomial infections in the Neonatology Clinic of Intensive Medicine from 2022 to 2024, identify the main risk factors, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented preventive measures.
Methods: In a monocentric retrospective analysis of data from 1,127 hospitalized patients during a selected time period, parameters such as length of hospitalization, gestational age, birth weight, need for mechanical ventilation, antibiotic administration, parenteral nutrition, need of central line, and the occurrence of nosocomial infections were evaluated. The obtained data were statistically analyzed.
Results: The overall prevalence of nosocomial infections (NI) showed a decreasing trend over the observed years. While in 2022, the incidence was 15.7 % (11.8 NI per 1000 hospitalization days), by 2024, these rates had decreased to 12 % (10.1 NI per 1000 hospitalization days). The analysis of risk factors demonstrated a significant association between the occurrence of nosocomial infections and length of hospital stay, prematurity, invasive procedures. A high incidence of central line associated blood stream infections was also confirmed.
Conclusion: Nosocomial infections remain a significant challenge in neonatology. Preventive measures can effectively reduce infection incidence. Emphasizing hand hygiene, rational antibiotic use, and minimizing using of central catheters are key strategies for reducing nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care.
Keywords: nosocomial infection, newborn, central line associated blood stream infection – CLABSI, prevention
