Strategies for Prevention of Health Care–Associated Infections in the NICU
Pediatrics, 04/18/2012

Polin RA et al. – Health care–associated infections in the NICU result in increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged lengths of stay, and increased medical costs. Neonates are at high risk of acquiring health care–associated infections because of impaired host–defense mechanisms, limited amounts of protective endogenous flora on skin and mucosal surfaces at time of birth, reduced barrier function of their skin, use of invasive procedures and devices, and frequent exposure to broad–spectrum antibiotic agents.