High levels of discordant antimicrobial therapy in hospital-acquired bloodstream infections is associated with increased mortality in an intensive care, low antimicrobial resistance setting.

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) occur frequently and are associated with severe outcomes. In this study we aimed to investigate proportions of patients that received discordant empirical antimicrobial therapy and its association to mortality.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study model was undertaken to outline BSI in an intensive care, single centre, and low antimicrobial resistance prevalence setting.

Acute kidney injury in intensive care patients: Incidence, time course, and risk factors.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent and influences the prognosis of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, time-course, risk factors, and mortality of AKI among unselected ICU patients.

Methods: All adult ICU patients admitted to the ICU at the University Hospital in Central Norway from 2010 to 2015 with a stay of 24 h or more were included in the study.

Bedside dressing changes for open abdomen in the intensive care unit is safe and time and staff efficient.

Background: Patients with an open abdomen (OA) treated with temporary abdominal closure (TAC) need multiple surgical procedures throughout the hospital stay with repeated changes of the vacuum-assisted closure device (VAC changes). The aim of this study was to examine if using the intensive care unit (ICU) for dressing changes in OA patients was safe regarding bloodstream infections (BSI) and survival. Secondary aims were to evaluate saved time, personnel, and costs.