Nosocomial infections in a cohort of extracorporeal life support patients.

Objectives: To examine nosocomial infections in a cohort of patients receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) at our institution and to identify the types of infections, impact of prophylaxis, and any apparent risk factors for infection.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we examined the records of all patients who received ECLS at our institution between August 2009 and March 2011. A prospective, daily, multidisciplinary assessment of all microbiological issues in these patients was carried out, including assessment of microbiological culture positivity and clinical evidence of infection.