[Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: incidence, risk factors and interest of systematic screening for colonization in intensive-care unit]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization and infection in an intensive care unit of a university hospital in China

Objective This study was performed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission and during the ICU stay in mainland China. Methods A prospective observational study was performed in a 50-bed general ICU of a 4300-bed teaching hospital in China from 2011 to 2013. Nasal swabs for MRSA detection were obtained upon ICU admission and at discharge for patients having stayed in the ICU for longer than 3 days. Results In total, 115 patients (4.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-4.9) were already colonized with MRSA on ICU admission, and another 185 patients (10.7%; 95% CI, 9.3-12.2) acquired MRSA during their ICU stay. Development of an MRSA infection was significantly more likely in patients with than without MRSA colonization on ICU admission (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1-7.3). Patients who acquired MRSA had significantly prolonged lengths of stay in the ICU (23.3 days) and higher hospital bills (135,171 RMB; about 19,590 USD) than those who tested negative for MRSA. Conclusion The MRSA colonization rate among ICU patients in mainland China is high. Patients with MRSA-positive nasal swabs are more likely to develop MRSA infections.

Implementing the MRSA recommendations made by the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) of 1999 - current considerations by the DGKH Management Board

In Germany, recommendations on dealing with patients who are colonised with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) for the inpatient sector have been published in 1999 by the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO). Some challenges arise with regard to the practical implementation of the KRINKO recommendations. These challenges do not principally question the benefit of the recommendations but have come into criticism from users. In this commentary the German Society for Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) discusses some controversial issues and adds suggestions for unresolved problems regarding the infection control management of MRSA in healthcare settings.

Quality assessment in intensive care units: proposal for a scoring system in terms of structure and process

OBJECTIVE

We present a score for assessing the quality of ICU care in terms of structure and process, based on bibliographic review, expert consultations, field test, analysis, and final consensus, and analyze its initial application in the field.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This feasibility and observational study was conducted within the framework of a French regional clinical research project (NosoQual); 40 ICUs were visited and assessed between November 2002 and March 2003 according to standardized procedures.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The grid consisted of 95 variables. The overall score derived from seven independent quality dimensions: human resources, architecture, safety and environment, management of documentation, patient care management, risk management of infections and evaluation, and surveillance. The average level of achievement of the scores varied from 48% to 63% of theoretical maxima. Variability in the individual dimensional subscores was greater than that of the overall score (CV=15).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation this scoring system encounters the limitation of the absence of a "gold standard." However, this is counterbalanced by the rigorous design methodology, the characteristic strengths of the quality dimensions. The survey also highlights also feasibility and the potential interest for specific tools for the assessment of ICUs.