Reduced central line infection rates in children with leukemia following caregiver training: A quality improvement study.

Infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with acute leukemia. Central-line (CL) devices increase this population's risk of serious infections.Within the context of a quality improvement (QI) project, we tested the effect of caregiver education on CL management on the CL-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate among children with acute leukemia seen at a large referral center in Italy.

Application of a score system to evaluate the risk of malnutrition in a multiple hospital setting.

Background: An increased but unpredictable risk of malnutrition is associated with hospitalization, especially in children with chronic diseases. We investigated the applicability of Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids), an instrument proposed to estimate the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children. We also evaluated the role of age and co-morbidities as risk for malnutrition.

Nosocomial Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in pediatric patients: a multi-center prospective cohort study.

Background: Few data are available on the incidence of nosocomial Rotavirus infections (NRVI) in pediatric hospitals and on their economic impact. The goals of this study were: to evaluate the incidence of NRVI in various Italian pediatric wards during the course of two peak RV seasons; to investigate possible risk factors for NRVI; to estimate the costs caused by NRVI.

Methods: prospective cohort study.

Early treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid for cholestasis in children on parenteral nutrition because of primary intestinal failure.

Background: There is conflicting evidence as to whether ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) reduces the incidence of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of UDCA on parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in children with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome or to other causes.

Methods: Children with cholestasis received 30 mg/kg/day UDCA.