Healthcare-associated infections at a children's cancer hospital, 1983-2008

Abstract

Background. Little is known about the incidence and etiology of healthcare-associated infections in immunosuppressed children. Methods. Data collected prospectively between 1983 and 2008 were used to analyze changes in the rate, types of infection, and infecting organisms over time in patients treated at a children's cancer hospital. Neutropenia was evaluated as a risk factor. Results. Over the 26-year study period, 1986 healthcare-associated infections were identified during 1653 hospitalizations. The infection rate decreased significantly from 5.6 to 2.0 infections per 100 discharges (P <100 per mm3 was significantly associated (P <100 per mm3 is a risk factor for healthcare-associated infections in this population. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. All rights reserved.