Monitoring bloodstream infection in neonatal intensive care units
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Monitoring bloodstream infection in neonatal intensive care units
IRAS ID
152438
Contact name
Katie Harron
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Institute of Child Health (University College London)
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
AIM: To provide risk-adjusted monitoring of rates of bloodstream infection (BSI) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
BACKGROUND: BSI rates in paediatric intensive care units have been decreasing over the past decade, due in part to implementation of improved infection control strategies across the NHS. However, there is no national evidence on rates of BSI in NICUs, nor on how rates vary between units and over time. BSI is a key indicator for quality of care, but risk-adjusted surveillance, focused on specific groups of patients, is needed to provide meaningful monitoring and comparisons in NICU. Data on rates of BSI are also important for determining benefits of new interventions and practices.
This study will provide risk-adjusted monitoring of trends in BSI in NICU using routinely-collected data from the National Neonatal Research Database (NNRD) linked to national laboratory surveillance data on BSI held by Public Health England (PHE).
These data will form an integral component of interpreting the PREVAIL trial (PREVenting infection using Antibiotic Impregnated long Lines). PREVAIL aims to determine the effectiveness of antibiotic-impregnated peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) for reducing the risk of BSI compared with standard PICCs, in very preterm babies (born <32 weeks of gestation). This proposed surveillance study will help inform decisions on implementation of antibiotic-impregnated PICCs based on results from the trial, by evaluating how the value of introducing different PICCs varies between hospitals with different baseline risks.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1965
Date of REC Opinion
27 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion