End-of-Life Care: A Source of Resistant Bacteria?

A study conducted in two intensive care units showed that absence of a do-not-resuscitate order was associated with the acquisition of resistant pathogens.

The prevalence of resistant pathogens is especially high in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with long and complicated courses. Even when proper hygiene measures are used, these resistant pathogens may be transmitted to other ICU patients. In a cohort study involving consecutive patients treated for >48 hours at an ICU in Toronto or in Jerusalem, researchers explored care-related risk factors for acquisition of resistant bacteria. Data were collected in Toronto from January 2003 through December 2003, and in Jerusalem from July 2005 through January 2006.

Pathogens resistant to at least one major antibiotic class were isolated from 13% of 337 patients in the Toronto ICU and 57% of 113 patients in the Jerusalem ICU. Severity of disease and l…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection