Infections in neurology and neurosurgery intensive care units

Nosocomial infections are common among hospitalized patients, more so in intensive care units (ICU). They contribute significantly to morbidity, mortality and cost of care. Few studies address the issue of nosocomial infections in Neurology and neurosurgery ICUs, (NNICU) and data from other ICUs probably cannot be extrapolated to acutely ill neurologic patients. While the incidence of urinary tract infections and catheter related infections may be similar to those in other ICUs, comatose patients may be at a greater risk of nosocomial pneumonia. Certain nosocomial infections are peculiar to NNICU and appear to be associated with higher mortality and morbidity. A systematic approach to evaluation of new episodes of fever, informed use of empirical antibiotics in the context of prevailing drug sensitivities and developing a hospital infection control program are methods crucial to controlling and preventing nosocomial infections. Infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) have been under intense study over the last two decades. Nosocomial infections are common and to a large extent, preventable. However, an established infection by multidrug resistant bacteria is difficult to treat and results in a high mortality, morbidity and cost of care. This article addresses nosocomial infections in the context of the Neurology and Neurosurgery ICU (NNICU).