INCIDENCE OF BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS

IN A PEDIATRIC CARDIOVASCULAR UNIT IN

MEXICO, A THREE YEAR REPORT.

 Molina Garza, María Elena MD; Chief, Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine,
UMAE 34, IMSS
 Solis González, Miriam Cecilia MD; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric
Critical Care, UDEM university and Clinical Associate to PICU, Hospital UMAE 34, IMSS.
 Hernandez Rosales, Cesar David MD; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of
Pediatric Critical Care, and Clinical Associate to PICU, Hospital UMAE 34, IMSS.
 Alonso Rodriguez, Omar MD; Chief, Department of pediatric cardiovascular surgery,
Hospital UMAE 34, IMSS and Clinical Associate Professor to Department of pediatric
cardiovascular surgery, UDEM University.
 Mendoza Aguilar, Diego Armando; Resident Of Pediatric Cricital Care Medicine, UDEM
Univeristy and

 Contact:
Solís González, Miriam Cecilia MD
Email:
Adress: UMAE #34, IMSS, Av Abraham Lincoln s/n, Valle Verde, 64360 Monterrey,
N.L.

Key Words: Infectrions, bloodstream

Infections in the pediatric intensive care unit contribute significantly to morbidity and
mortality in infants. Our pediatric cardiovascular therapy unit, a regional referral center,
faces delays in transfers, and exacerbating comorbidities, particularly post-cardiovascular
surgery. Therefore, our aim is to ensuring an antimicrobial regimen tailored to the most
frequently reported pathogens in our unit is paramount for patient improvement and
clinical discharge.

A retrospective study spanning from 2021 to 2023 assessed bloodstream-associated

microorganisms despite adherence to Hand Hygiene protocols. Reviewing medical records
of discharged patients with positive blood cultures revealed critical insights. Of 1547
discharges, 847 blood cultures were analyzed, yielding 213 positive results (25% positivity
rate). Notably, infants under 1 year exhibited the highest positivity (68%) and mortality
(31.1%), with an average hospital stay of 19.7%.
The predominant pathogens included Gram-positive cocci (52%) and Gram-negative bacilli
(38%), with a notable rise in fungal infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus
epidermidis were frequently encountered. These findings underscore the prevalence of
bloodstream infections in post-cardiovascular surgical infants, with mortality rates
reaching 29%.

Early detection of sepsis and prompt, tailored treatment are imperative for improving
prognosis and reducing hospital stays in this vulnerable population.