Risk factors for nosocomial infections in selected neonatal intensive care units in Colombia, South America.

Objective: This study was designed to identify risk factors for nosocomial infections among infants admitted into eight neonatal intensive care units in Colombia. Knowledge of modifiable risk factors could be used to guide the design of interventions to prevent the problem.

Study Design: Data were collected prospectively from eight neonatal units.

Epidemiology of nosocomial infections in selected neonatal intensive care units in Colombia, South America.

Objective: The epidemiology of nosocomial infections (NI) in neonatal intensive care units in developing countries has been poorly studied. We conducted a prospective study in selected neonatal units in Colombia, SA, to describe the incidence rate, causative organisms, and interinstitutional differences.

Study Design: Data were collected prospectively from February 20 to August 30, 2001 from eight neonatal units.

A randomized-controlled trial of prophylactic hydrocortisone supplementation for the prevention of hypotension in extremely low birth weight infants.

Objective: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are at risk for hypotension. Abnormal adrenal function may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypotension, and therefore, the administration of hydrocortisone (HC) may be an effective treatment for hypotension in some infants. However, the efficacy of prophylactic HC to prevent the use of vasopressors for a defined hypotensive state has not been studied.