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Septicaemia as a hospital hazard
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and septicaemia pose significant risks, with mortality increasing alongside antibiotic use. Identifying risk factors like surgery and invasive devices is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Septicaemia (blood poisoning) is a serious complication in healthcare settings.
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) contribute significantly to patient morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the epidemiology of septicaemia is vital for effective infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and sources of septicaemia in a large referral hospital.
- To analyze risk factors associated with hospital-acquired septicaemia.
- To evaluate the impact of antibiotic use and patient factors on mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 135 septicaemia episodes over one year.
- Calculation of nosocomial septicaemia rates per 1000 admissions.
- Identification of common causative organisms and etiological factors (e.g., surgery, invasive devices).
Main Results:
- A nosocomial septicaemia rate of 2.08 per 1000 admissions was observed.
- Mortality increased with the number of antibiotics used, reaching 50% with three drugs.
- Common pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli; postoperative complications and invasive devices (IV cannulae, urinary catheters) were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Hospital-acquired septicaemia is a substantial problem with identifiable risk factors.
- Judicious antibiotic use and careful management of invasive devices are critical.
- Drug-induced immunosuppression worsens prognosis in septicaemia patients.