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Do pacifiers increase the risk of nosocomial diarrhoea? A cohort study

Gabriela Cunha Schechtman Sette1, Maria Júlia Gonçalves Mello, Jailson Barros Correia

  • 1Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.

BMJ Open
|April 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Nosocomial diarrhea (ND) is common in pediatric wards. Pacifier use did not significantly impact ND incidence in infants during hospitalization, suggesting other factors are more critical.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital-Acquired Infections
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant threat to hospitalized infants.
  • Nosocomial diarrhea (ND) is a prevalent issue in pediatric settings, necessitating research into its risk factors and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and risk factors of nosocomial diarrhea (ND) in infants admitted to a pediatric hospital.
  • To investigate the association between pacifier use and the incidence of ND.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study was conducted with 378 infants admitted to pediatric wards.
  • Infants were monitored daily for the first episode of ND until discharge, death, or for a maximum of 7 days.
  • Risk factors, including pacifier use, duration of oxygen and antimicrobial therapy, and breastfeeding, were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The cumulative incidence of ND was 8.7%, with a density of 11.25 per 1000 patient-days.
  • Pacifier use (8.2%) showed a similar incidence to non-users (9.2%), with no statistically significant difference.
  • Duration of oxygen and antimicrobial use were associated with increased ND risk, while breastfeeding and shorter hospital stays were protective.

Conclusions:

  • Nosocomial diarrhea is a frequent healthcare-associated infection in pediatric wards.
  • Pacifier use does not appear to influence the incidence of ND in infants in settings with a high burden of diarrhea.
  • Focusing on other risk factors like oxygen and antimicrobial use may be more effective in preventing ND.
Abstract

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