Automated postdischarge surveillance for postpartum and neonatal nosocomial infections
Article Abstract:
Nosocomial infections (infections acquired during hospitalization) are a serious health concern. Although many nosocomial infections are diagnosed while the patient is still in the hospital, in some cases the symptoms of infection do not appear until after the patient has been discharged. The number of patients who develop symptoms of infection after leaving the hospital is increasing because the length of time spent in the hospital is getting shorter while the number of medical procedures performed is growing. Therefore, an effective method is needed for monitoring the health status of patients after they have been discharged from the hospital. This article describes the results of a study to determine if self-administered questionnaires could be used for routine monitoring of nosocomial infections that develop after discharge from the hospital. Questionnaires were mailed to 19,650 mothers who gave birth in the hospital. Only 36 percent of the mothers completed and returned the questionnaires. The mothers reported a total of 763 maternal infections and 968 infant infections following discharge from the hospital. The most common types of infections included mastitis (inflammation of the breast) and urinary tract infections in the mothers, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of eye membranes), diaper rash requiring treatment with antibiotics, and umbilical infection in the infants. Antibiotics were prescribed in 84 percent of the maternal infections and 74 percent of the infant infections. When the patients' physicians were contacted, only 48 percent of the maternal infections and 25 percent of the infant infections could be confirmed. It is concluded that questionnaires are likely to be the best method for conducting large-scale patient surveys. However, this method has limitations, such as a low response rate and difficulty in determining if the infection was acquired in the hospital. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
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Major trends in nosocomial viral infections
Article Abstract:
Nosocomial infections are those that are acquired in the hospital. They are a major health concern because they increase patient illness and prolong hospitalization. Nosocomial infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses. The patients who have the greatest risk for developing viral nosocomial infections are infants, the elderly, and patients with suppressed immune systems. Patients undergoing organ transplants or chemotherapy for cancer are prime candidates for viral nosocomial infections. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common and serious problem in patients undergoing organ transplantation. Patients with AIDS are very susceptible to infections because the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and destroys the immune system. Under the right conditions, most human viruses, such as HIV and human parvovirus B19, can cause nosocomial infections. Patients with compromised heart and lung function are at high risk for infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, a virus that causes lung infections). Health care workers are at risk for developing infections with HIV and hepatitis B virus. New medical procedures and treatments can provide new ways for viruses to be transmitted from person to person. For example, when lasers are used to treat warts, the lasers generate fine particles or aerosols in the air that can be inhaled and may contain human papilloma virus. Effective methods for controlling viral nosocomial infections include vaccination, treatment with antiviral drugs, and good infection control procedures. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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