Table 51-5.
Significant Risk Factors for Nosocomial Infection in the ICU as Determined by Multivariate Analysis of Prospectively Collected Databases
| Type of ICU (Investigators) | Risk Factors | Approximate Magnitude of Increased Risk* |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric ICU23, 613 |
Patent ductus arteriosus | 28.2 |
| Low birth weight | —† | |
| Endotracheal tube | 7 | |
| Hyperalimentation | 5.9 | |
| Surgery | — | |
| High fraction inspired oxygen | — | |
| Umbilical catheter | — | |
| Blood product therapy | — | |
| Central venous catheter | — | |
| Mechanical ventilatory support | — | |
| Adult medical and surgical ICUs5 | Urinary catheter >10 days | 3.2 |
| ICU confinement >3 days | 2.5 | |
| Intracranial pressure monitor | 2.5 | |
| Arterial line | 1.5 | |
| Shock | 2.5 | |
*
Relative risk or odds ratio: values >1 denote significantly increased risk of infection, and ratios <1, decreased risk, vis-à-vis a protective effect.
†
Not reported or indeterminant (e.g., zero denominator).