Preventable contributors to the neonatal healthcare-associated infections: a uni-center analytical study from South India.

Background: Globally, neonatal healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are known to cause high mortality. HAIs is a preventable condition related to the healthcare environment. The current study explored the contributors to neonatal HAIs in one of the largest tertiary care referral hospitals in South India.

Methods: Neonates from December 2016 to June 2018 were observed for the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections and compared with the matched control group. Various observations on neonatal demography, maternal contributors, and medical procedures were made and recorded to explore and analyse the contributors to neonatal HAIs. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to find the contributors. The Odds ratio with 95% CI was also computed and reported.

Results: Bloodstream infection (83%) was prevalent among neonates; the maternal contributor was only preterm labor (Odds ratio of 11.93; 95% CI; 6.47-21.98; p<.05) to acquire HAIs. On univariate analysis, mechanical ventilation for > 3days duration, NIV for > five days, and PICC line insertion procedure were significant (p<0.05) contributors to neonatal HAIs. IV cannulation for more than three times in four consecutive days was found in 100(85%) neonates considered being associated with neonatal HAIs. On multivariate analysis, NIV, PICC line, preterm labor, and low birth weight were significant (p<0.05) contributors to neonatal HAIs.

Conclusion: The increased duration of invasive and non-invasive therapeutic devices and catheters contributes to neonatal HAIs. Neonates are acquiring bloodstream infections; low birth weight (LBW) neonates are more susceptible to acquiring HAIs.