Nosocomial Infections and Associated Risk Factors in Geriatric Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Aim : The elderly population increases worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nosocomial infections (NI) detected in geriatric patients and to determine the risk factors leading to their development. Materials and Methods : Patients monitored in our hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were evaluated daily by intensive care and infectious disease specialists, including surveillance by our Infection Control Committee. We included the patients aged ≥65 years who were monitored in the adult ICU between January and December 2014, using the methods of retrospective file screening and computer record review. Patients were classified into two groups: patients with and without NI. Results : In total, 222 (38.07%) patients were ≥65 years old. 44 NI events were detected in 27 patients. Groups were compared with respect to age; sex; presence of mechanic ventilation (MV), central venous catheterization (CVC), cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive disease, diabetes mellitus; and mortality. The presence of MV, CVC, and mortality were seen to be significantly higher in patients with NI compared with those without. The most common NIs found were sepsis and pneumonia. The most common infectious agent was Acinetobacter. Conclusion : NIs observed in hospital ICUs are common, but largely preventable, conditions. A systematic approach and well-disciplined empiric therapy are very important. Our study revealed that the mortality rate is high in elderly patients who develop NI, and NI is more commonly seen in patients who undergo invasive interventions. We believe that using invasive interventions as little as possible in this group may improve their treatment success and outcome.