Healthcare Associated Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the “Federico II” University Hospital: Statistical Analysis and Study of Risk Factors

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a common complication among hospitalized patients and an important cause of mortality and morbidity in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). New technologies have significantly improved the neonatal survival rate, while causing an increase in the spread of infections. Contracting HAIs means an increase in hospital days, specific drug therapy and greater care that translate into increased costs. Understanding the main risk factors in neonates can help prevent their spread. In this study conducted at the NICU of the “Federico II” University Hospital of Naples in 2019, statistical analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the association between blood-stream HAIs (BSIs) and the available risk factors. The analysis showed that birthweight and central line catheterization days are significant predictors of suffering from BSIs.