Device-Associated Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Infants, especially preterm, in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are especially susceptible to healthcare-associated infections (HAI), given their immature immune system, the acuity of care that they need, and the frequency of invasive procedures performed. Moreover, HAIs have major impacts on premature infant outcomes. HAIs in the NICU have been associated with a twofold increase in the risk of death. This chapter reviews several strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections, including central line–associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection, in the neonatal intensive care unit setting. The importance of the neonatal microbiome in the prevention of infections is emphasized.