Intensive care unit acquired infection: a prevalence and impact on morbidity and mortality

Severe infection is a common reason for intensive care and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of infection among intensive care unit (ICU) patients and to evaluate the consequences of ICU-acquired infection on morbidity and mortality.

A total of 812 patients consecutively admitted for more than 48 h to the ICU at Vilnius University Emergency Hospital, Lithuania, were included in the prospective observational study. Organ dysfunction was assessed using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) system.

Thirty-seven per cent of patients were identified who developed at least one ICU-acquired infection. Respiratory, bloodstream and urinary tract infections were the most common. The main isolates were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, S. aureus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species. More severe degree of organ dysfunction, prolonged stay in the ICU and higher hospital mortality rate were more common among patients who acquired infection in the ICU than that of non-infected patients.

The prevalence of infection in the ICU was similar to other studies in European countries. The occurrence of ICU-acquired infection was significantly related to the increase in morbidity and mortality. The findings are useful for the comparison of the prevalence rate of infection and implementation of strict infection control policy.