Publications by authors named "Aaqilah Fataar"
Article Synopsis
- * The study involved 23,748 neonates and found a HA-BSI rate of 2.0 per 1000 patient days, with the highest rates in very low birth weight infants and high mortality (31.8%) associated with infections, particularly in preterm and those with Gram-negative/fungal infections.
- * Empiric antibiotic coverage varied by hospital, averaging 66-92%, but concerns were raised about increasing carbapenem resistance, highlighting the need for regular updates to treatment protocols.
Background: Short peripheral catheter (SPC)-associated complications occur frequently in hospitalised neonates. Few studies have reported the use of SPC care bundles in resource-limited neonatal units.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of a SPC care bundle on SPC associated complications (infiltration, dislodgement, phlebitis) and catheter dwell time.
Article Synopsis
- Vancomycin is a long-used antibiotic for treating gram-positive infections in hospitals, but its benefits as a loading dose for neonates remain debated.
- The study examined how vancomycin loading doses affect achieving therapeutic targets in neonates with sepsis by comparing data before and after guideline changes in a South African neonatal unit.
- Results showed that neonates receiving loading doses had significantly earlier target attainment, but overall target achievement at 24 hours was similar between both groups, with low rates of kidney toxicity observed.
Background: Healthcare-associated infections account for substantial neonatal in-hospital mortality. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) whole body skin application could reduce sepsis by lowering bacterial colonisation density, although safety and optimal application regimen is unclear. Emollients, including sunflower oil, may independently improve skin condition, thereby reducing sepsis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Hand hygiene (HH) is a cornerstone of programmes to prevent healthcare associated infections (HAI) globally, but HH interventions are seldom reported from African neonatal units.
Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study evaluating the impact of a multi-modal intervention (SafeHANDS) on HH compliance rates, alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) usage, the Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF) score, and healthcare-associated bloodstream infection (HA-BSI) rates at a 132-bed South African neonatal unit (4 wards and 1 neonatal intensive care unit [NICU]). The intervention included a campaign logo, HH training, maternal education leaflets, ABHR bottles for staff, and the setting of HH performance targets with feedback.