Transient bacteremia following endotracheal suctioning in ventilated newborns

Endotracheal suctioning is a routine procedure in ventilated newborns. A study of ten neonates demonstrates the association of transient bacteremia with endotracheal suctioning. This complication in ventilated newborns, with colonization of the respiratory tract by the same organism, must be considered in the pathogenesis of systemic infection.