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Prevalence of infections in intensive care units in Mexico: a multicenter study

S P Ponce de León-Rosales1, F Molinar-Ramos, G Domínguez-Cherit

  • 1Division of Hospital Epidemiology, Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México. sponce@quetzal.innsz.mx

Abstract

Insights

Mexican ICUs have a high prevalence of infections, with over half of patients infected. Key risk factors for intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections include prolonged stays and invasive procedures, leading to significant mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Nosocomial infections pose a significant threat in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Understanding the epidemiology of infections in Mexican ICUs is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the 1-day prevalence of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections in Mexican ICUs.
  • To identify associated risk factors, predominant pathogens, and mortality rates.

Main Methods:

  • A 1-day point-prevalence study was conducted across 254 adult ICUs in Mexico.
  • Data were collected on 895 adult patients, including infection status, type, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Over half of the patients (58.2%) were infected, with ICU-acquired infections affecting 23.2%.
  • Pneumonia (39.7%) was the most common ICU-acquired infection, followed by urinary tract infections (20.5%).
  • Identified risk factors for ICU-acquired infections included neurologic failure, extended ICU stay, multiple interventions, hyperosmolar solution infusion, sedative use, and prior emergency surgery. Antimicrobial treatment reduced mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • A high frequency of nosocomial infections was observed in Mexican ICUs.
  • Several modifiable risk factors for acquiring infections and associated mortality were identified.
  • Mortality rates were analyzed in the context of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

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