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Bacteriologic surveillance of indwelling urinary catheters in pediatric intensive care unit patients

G F Kasian1, J H Elash, L K Tan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.

Insights

Pediatric patients with indwelling urinary catheters face a significant risk of bacteriuria. Infants under one year old are at a higher risk for developing these urinary tract infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Associated Infections

Background:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common hospital-acquired infections.
  • Indwelling urinary catheters are frequently used in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
  • Catheter-associated bacteriuria is a significant concern in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the risk of acquiring bacteriuria in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients with indwelling urinary catheters.
  • To compare the risk of bacteriuria between patients catheterized in the PICU versus the operating room.
  • To identify risk factors associated with bacteriuria in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Daily urine cultures were collected from the tubing port of 108 indwelling urinary catheters in 100 PICU patients (aged 1 month to 17 years).
  • Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (catheterized in PICU) and Group 2 (catheterized in operating room).
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare bacteriuria rates and identify risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Patients catheterized in the PICU (Group 1) had a higher early risk of bacteriuria compared to those catheterized in the operating room (Group 2) (p < .03).
  • The final cumulative risk of bacteriuria was similar between groups (27% in Group 1, 37% in Group 2).
  • The overall cumulative risk of bacteriuria was 29.1%.
  • Risk of UTI was not associated with sex or prior antibiotic use.
  • Children under 1 year of age had a significantly higher risk of bacteriuria (p < .025).

Conclusions:

  • While initial bacteriuria risk differs based on catheterization location, the overall cumulative risk is comparable.
  • Younger age (under 1 year) is a significant risk factor for bacteriuria in PICU patients with urinary catheters.
  • These findings highlight the importance of vigilant catheter care and infection control in pediatric intensive care settings, particularly for infants.

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