International study of the prevalence and outcomes of infection in ICUs

International study of the prevalence and outcomes of infection in ICUs. JAMA. 2009;302(21):2323-2329.

Vincent, J.L. et al.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/302/21/2323

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. However, relatively little information is available about the global epidemiology of such infections. Objective: To provide an up-to-date, international picture of the extent and patterns of infection in ICUs. Conclusions: Infections are common in patients in contemporary ICUs, and risk of infection increases with duration of ICU stay. In this large cohort, infection was independently associated with an increased risk of hospital death.