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Multiple-site decontamination in critically ill patients requires careful implementation
Yuetian Yu1,2, Bin Lin2,3, Lihui Wang1
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
Abstract:
The EPIC III study showed that 52% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) have infectious diseases and that the incidence of ICU-acquired infections is increasing, leading to longer ICU stays and higher mortality rates. Multiple-site decontamination, a type of selective decontamination program, has been associated with a reduction in the incidence of ICU-acquired infection and decreased mortality rates in some critically ill patients. However, the standardized implementation and actual effectiveness of multiple-site decontamination require further investigation.
Insights
Infectious diseases affect over half of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, with rising ICU-acquired infections increasing mortality. Multiple-site decontamination may reduce these infections and mortality, but requires further study for effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- The EPIC III study identified infectious diseases in 52% of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.
- A rising incidence of ICU-acquired infections is linked to prolonged ICU stays and increased mortality.
- Existing data suggests potential benefits of multiple-site decontamination in reducing infection and mortality.
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