IATROGENIC DISORDERS IN PEDIATRIC INTENSI VE-CARE PATIENTS - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

A six-month prospective study was conducted in a pediatric intensive c are unit to evaluate the incidence and impact of latrogenic disorders. The study included 205 admissions in 188 children. Over 40 % of patie nts experienced at least one iatrogenic event. Two hundred twenty-six events including 21 nosocomial infections were recorded. Most noninfec tious events were mild. Twenty-six per cent of noninfectious events we re related to peripheral intravascular lines, suggesting that sedation was often inadequate. An adverse drug-related event was recorded for 6.3% of admissions. Organisms responsible for nosocomial infections we re similar to those reported in other pediatric intensive care units. latrogenic events were more likely to occur in the morning and late af ternoon. Statistically significant associations were found between spe cific events and age, reason for admission, and severity of the disord er.