MAGNITUDE AND PREVENTION OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS IN THE INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT

Nosocomial infections among intensive care unit (ICU) patients usually are related to the use of invasive devices (e.g., mechanical ventilat ors, urinary catheters, or central venous catheters). This article dis cusses the impact of these devices and other risk factors for nosocomi al infection in ICU patients. Data on etiologic pathogens and device-r elated infection rates from the National Nosocomial Infection Surveill ance System are presented, general infection control guidelines for IC Us are reviewed, and special infection control problems encountered in ICUs are discussed.