Increase in Infection Rates in Patients With Cardiac Electrophysiological Devices

Researchers analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample -- a national database of hospital discharge records -- from 1993-2008 and found a significant increase in CIED-related infections.
Further analysis showed a jump in infections after 2004, directly correlating with an increase in four major comorbidities: renal failure, respiratory failure, heart failure and diabetes.
The study showed a 96 percent increase in CIED implantation, mostly due to a marked increase in the use of ICDs.  "The number of Americans receiving pacemakers and defibrillators has dramatically increased. 
This analysis shows that the infection risk associated with these devices has, unfortunately, increased as well.

Source:   Daniel R. Frisch, MD,  et al.  August 30 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Illinois surgery centers slip on infection control

Illinois surgery centers slip on infection control
Inspection reports cite dangling masks, exposed hair and other serious problems seen during the past year by inspectors trying to stop the spread of dangerous bacteria and viruses.
Chicago Sun-Times


Surgery centers face challenges that are different than hospitals. Turnaround times between surgeries are shorter, for example. But the centers are expected to uphold the same infection-control standards as in hospitals, said Jan Davidson, a registered nurse and infection-control expert at the Denver-based Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, a group that writes recommendations for infection control.

MRSA Watch on Twitter

This link is a great source for up to date information on MRSA and infection prevention.


http://twitter.com/#!/mrsawatch