Health-associated infections in a pediatric nephrology unit in China

Health care-associated infection (HAI) in children is associated with morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and increased health care costs. We report the prevalence of HAIs in children admitted to the pediatric nephrology unit of a large tertiary care pediatric hospital in China between 2000 and 2008.

A prospective infection control surveillance program led by physicians identified HAIs in admitted patients and sent monthly summary data to the hospital's Nosocomial Infections Committee. Infections at any body site meeting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's former National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System definitions were eligible for inclusion. Over the study period, various infection prevention and control strategies were introduced, including education on hand hygiene, measures to ensure appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients, and a guideline for antibiotic use.

Of the 971 patients admitted, 81 had a total of 89 episodes of HAI (9.16%; 89/971); 75 patients (92.6%) had one HAI. The percentage of children acquiring HAI decreased from 12% to 6% over the observation period, representing a statistically significant linear trend. The most common type of HAI was respiratory tract infection (65.16%; n = 58), followed by gastrointestinal tract infection (11.24%; n = 10), skin and soft tissue infection (8.99% (n = 8), bloodstream infection (7.87%; n = 7), and urinary tract infection (6.74%; n = 6).

The incidence of HAI in a pediatric nephrology ward decreased over an 8-year period, associated with a surveillance program and education directed at hand hygiene and appropriate antibiotic use. Despite a strict visitor policy, respiratory tract infection was the most common HAI seen.