Abstract

Infection is a major cause of admissions and prolonged stays in intensive care units (ICUs). Prevalence of ICU infections varies between 45% to 58% and incidence rates between 30 to 35%. Present study was aimed to study of prevalence and outcomes of infection among patients in intensive care units at a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: Present study was single-center, prospective, observational study, conducted in patients of age 19-79 years, either gender, had no evidence of infection at the time of admission, staying for more than 48 h in the ICU. Results: In present study, during study period out of 760 patients studied, incidence of infection among patients in intensive care units was 15.92 % (n=121). Majority were from 60-69 years (28.1 %) & 50-59 years (26.45 %) age group. Male (60.33 %) outnumbered female (39.67 %). Mean length of ICU stay was 13.28 ± 5.59 days, while mean length of hospital stay was 22.17 ± 11.06 days. Common associated risk factors noted among the infected patients were central venous catheter (95.87 %), urinary catheter (95.87 %), peripheral venous line (85.95 %), arterial line (85.95 %), nasogastric tube (80.17 %), mechanical ventilator (63.64 %), endotracheal intubation (56.2 %), hypoalbuminemia (55.37 %), diabetes mellitus (47.93 %), malnutrition (31.4 %), tracheostomy (24.79 %) & immunocompromised (23.97 %). Urinary tract infections (28.93 %), bloodstream infections (25.62 %), respiratory infections other than VAP (20.66 %), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (17.36 %) & surgical site infection (17.36 %) were noted among study patients. We noted statistically significant mortality among patients with infection as compared to patients without infection (39.67 % vs 17.53 %) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Infection among patients in intensive care units was common in male, elderly patients, had catheterization, received mechanical ventilation or were intubated.

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