NEUROSURGICAL PNEUMONIA INFECTION

Neurosurgical Pneumonia Infection

Neurosurgical Pneumonia Infection

Introduction

Neurosurgical infections are a common complication with patients who have been taken to ITU due to breathing deficiency, trauma and major surgical attempts, and have been defined as an infection acquired during or a result of hospitalization. A more practical definition is an infection developing after 48 hours of hospital admission; there should be no clinical or laboratory evidence of infection, and no infection incubating, before this period (Arunodaya, 2007; Çelik & Aksoy, 2008). The aims of management of patients who are admitted ITU are to improve quality of life and prevent complications, thus decreasing mortality and morbidity. Understanding risk factors for Neurosurgical infections and applying of infection control measures by intensive care nurses is one a way to achieve these aims and simultaneously to reduce expenditure on medical treatment (Tasota et al., 2008; Çelik & Aksoy, 2008; Eggimann & Pittet, 2001).

Analysis

In 1985, the Center for Disease Control in the USA reported that 5.7% of all hospitalized patients acquired Neurosurgical infections and annual spending for treatment of Neurosurgical infections was approximately $1 billion (Tasota et al., 2008; Çelik & Aksoy, 2008). Six years later, although the prevalence of Neurosurgical infections remained stable (about 6% of hospitalized patients), the estimated costs of treatment had escalated to between $5 and $10 billion. More than 80 000 deaths each year have been directly linked to the development of Neurosurgical infections (Tasota et al., 2008).

Early diagnosis and treatment of Bacterial Meningitis are very significant. If symptoms come about, the patient must go to a doctor immediately. It can be treated with many useful antibiotics. It is vital, however, that treatment be began early.

Site of infection and preventive measurement

Neurosurgical pneumonia is seen in 5 to 10 cases per 1000 hospitalized patients. This rate may rise to 25-45% by continuous aspiration of contaminated subglottic secretions into the lower airway in intubated patients (Tasota et al., 2008). Other risk factors contributing to the development of Neurosurgical pneumonia are include altered consciousness, cardiopulmonary diseases, age >70 years, use of H2 blockers or antacids, chronic lung disease, surgical procedures, antibacterial therapy, obesity, diagnostic procedures or techniques, diabetes mellitus, and conditions favouring aspiration (endotracheal intubation, nasogastric intubation and supine positioning) (Tasota et al., 2008; Aktafl, 2006; Arunodaya, 2007; Eggimann & Pittet, 2001).

Early postintubation pneumonia (within 72 hours) is most often due to Homophiles influenza, methicilin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumonia in the critically ill patients. Late onset ventilator associated pneumonia (after than 72 hours) is frequently due to Pseudomanas aeruginosa, methicilin resistant staphylococcus aureus or enterabacter. Initial treatment of choice should be broad-spectrum antibiotics, preferably a combination of a third generation cephalosporin and an aminoglycoside. When culture reveals a particular bacterial pathogen treatment is directed towards the specific pathogen. (Aktafl, 2006; Arunodaya, 2007). The best method to prevent Neurosurgical pneumonia is to development strategies incorporate a number of strategies into routine practice and to make behaviour change at the intensive care nurses (www.cdc.gov).

The study of Valles et ...