Bloodstream infections in NNICU: Blight on ICU stay

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are among the serious hospital-acquired infections. Data regarding BSIs in intensive care units (ICUs) are available but there is limited information regarding these infections in neurology and neurosurgery intensive care units (NNICUs). OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to find out the occurrence of BSI in NNICU patients of a tertiary care institute in India, along with the microbiological profile and risk factors associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients admitted in the NNICU of a tertiary care hospital for more than 24 h were included in the study. After detailed history, blood samples were collected from catheter hub and peripheral vein of all patients for culture, followed by identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing of the isolates. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBI) was detected in 16 patients. Five patients had secondary BSI, while 11 had central venous catheter (CVC)-related primary BSI. Gram-positive organisms constituted 64% of the isolates, especially coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Increased duration of CVC was a significant risk factor for catheter-related BSI (CR-BSI). CONCLUSION: BSIs pose a significant burden for NNICU patients, and increased duration of catheter insertion is a significant risk factor for CR-BSI.