Decreasing Central Line–Associated Infections in the NICU

At 18 neonatal intensive care units in New York State, infection rates dropped significantly after implementation of standardized, evidence-based central line insertion and maintenance bundles.

In an earlier study, Pronovost and colleagues found that the rate of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in adult intensive care units could be reduced by applying “bundles” of evidence-based care elements related to the insertion and maintenance of central lines (JW Infect Dis Jan 10 2007). Miller and co-workers subsequently produced similar results in pediatric facilities (Pediatrics 2010; 125:206). Might such bundles reduce CLABSIs in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as well?

In 2007, a New York State public health law mandated surveillance and public reporting of CLABSIs in all ICUs, including NICUs. The 18 regional perinatal care centers in the state formed a quality-improvement network to learn about the best …

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Decreasing Central Line–Associated Infections in the NICU

Topics

Reviewing Author