Evaluating the Incidence and Risk Factors of Nosocomial Infection in Neonates Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, 2012 - 2013

Nosocomial infection is one of the most important causes of neonatal mortality, especially in premature neonates hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, main infection sites, prevalent microorganisms and risk factors related to nosocomial infection in NICU of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, during 2012 - 2013..Patients and This cross-sectional retrospective study was performed during an 18- month period (2012 - 2013) in which we evaluated the nosocomial infection in 1000 neonates hospitalized in NICU of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, who survived more than 72 hours and were not transferred to other wards, till their discharge from the hospital or death, based on the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.. The incidence of nosocomial infection was 5.7 per 100 patients and 7.1 infections per 1000 days of hospitalization. Blood stream infection (45.6%) was known as the most prevalent site of nosocomial infection and staph coagulase negative (56.1%) as the most prevalent organism causing the disease. Independent factors related to nosocomial infection included lower gestational age, long-term mechanical ventilation, using parenteral nutrition, delay in initiation of oral feeding and setting venous catheters. No significant difference was observed in prognoses of the disease between the two groups, but the duration of hospitalization was longer in the group of patients having nosocomial infection.. The results of this study show that the incidence of nosocomial infection in neonates is high and decreasing the risk factors such as prematurity, mechanical ventilation and reducing invasive procedures can decrease the infection and improve rapid recovery in these neonates..