Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Factors associated with persistent bloodstream infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Hanna Lee1, Noa Fleiss1, Matthew Bizzarro1
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Objective:
This study determined factors associated with persistent bloodstream infections (BSIs) for infants in the NICU to identify when follow up blood cultures (FUBCs) have increased utility.
Study Design:
Single center study of all infants in a level IV NICU (n = 121) with a positive blood culture over a five-year period. Clinical and microbiological variables were examined with bivariate and multi-regression analyses to identify factors associated with persistent BSI, defined as growth of the same organism >48 h after the index culture.
Results:
The recovery of Staphylococcus aureus (OR = 6.10, p < 0.001), male sex (OR = 3.31, p = 0.020), the presence of a central venous catheter (OR = 3.73, p = 0.020), and BSI in the setting of late-onset sepsis (p < 0.001) were associated with persistent BSI. No infants with either early-onset sepsis or growth of Streptococcal sp. had a persistent BSI.
Conclusion:
In the NICU, both patient and microbial characteristics can inform diagnostic stewardship regarding the need for FUBCs.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...