A nonclonal outbreak of vancomycin-sensitive bacteremia in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective: To describe an outbreak of bacteremia caused by vancomycin-sensitive Enterococcus faecalis (VSEfe).

Design: An investigation by retrospective case control and molecular typing by whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Setting: A tertiary-care neonatal unit in Melbourne, Australia.

A quality improvement initiative to reduce central line infection in neonates using checklists.

Unlabelled: Central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) are the most common complication of central catheters in neonates. These infections increase length of hospital stay, hospital costs and impact on mortality and morbidities. We performed a quasi-experimental study, over 24 months, utilising a pre-post design to determine the impact checklists had on central line infections.

Skin antisepsis for reducing central venous catheter-related infections.

Background: The central venous catheter (CVC) is a device used for many functions, including monitoring haemodynamic indicators and administering intravenous medications, fluids, blood products and parenteral nutrition. However, as a foreign object, it is susceptible to colonisation by micro-organisms, which may lead to catheter-related blood stream infection (BSI) and in turn, increased mortality, morbidities and health care costs.

Objectives: To assess the effects of skin antisepsis as part of CVC care for reducing catheter-related BSIs, catheter colonisation, and patient mortality and morbidities.

Antimicrobial dressings for the prevention of catheter-related infections in newborn infants with central venous catheters.

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) provide secured venous access in neonates. Antimicrobial dressings applied over the CVC sites have been proposed to reduce catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) by decreasing colonisation. However, there may be concerns on the local and systemic adverse effects of these dressings in neonates.

Antibiotic lock for the prevention of catheter-related infection in neonates.

Background: Use of a central venous catheter (CVC) in neonates is associated with an increase in nosocomial infection. Numerous strategies exist to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI); however, CRBSI continues to be a major problem. Antibiotic locking catheters is a new and promising treatment that potentially prevents this severe condition.

Prevention of central venous catheter-related infection in the neonatal unit: a literature review.

Central venous catheter infections are the leading cause of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections and contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units. Moreover, infection poses significant economic consequence which increased hospital costs and increased length of hospital stay. Prevention strategies are detailed in guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States; nevertheless, recent surveys in neonatal units in the United States, and Australia and New Zealand demonstrate these are not always followed.

A survey of central venous catheter practices in Australian and New Zealand tertiary neonatal units.

Background: Infection is the most common problem with central venous catheters (CVCs) in neonates. There are two published guidelines, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infection that describes evidence-based practice to reduce nosocomial infection.

Objective: Our aims were to survey current medical and nursing management of central venous catheters in tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand and to compare with the CDC evidence-based practice guideline.

Tracheal suctioning without disconnection in intubated ventilated neonates.

Background: Assisted mechanical ventilation is a necessity in the neonatal population for a variety of respiratory and surgical conditions. However, there are a number of potential hazards associated with this life saving intervention. New suctioning techniques have been introduced into clinical practice which aim to prevent or reduce these untoward effects.