Nosocomial bronchopneumopathies
Durocher, A.; Saulnier, F.; Deturck, R.; Lefebvre, M.C.; Wattel, F.
La Revue du Praticien 39(16): 1395-1398
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 2740791 Document Number: 328019
Nosocomial bronchopulmonary infections are common and severe complications, particularly in intensive care units. The high incidence of pneumonia is related to multiple factors such as underlying disease, acute respiratory failure, nutritional disorders, depressed mental status and the frequent need tracheal intubation. The most frequent cause of respiratory tract infection is aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. In hospitalized patients, there is usually an oropharyngeal colonization with Gram-negative bacteria. Prevention of nosocomial bronchopulmonary infections requires close attention to the patient's environment, proper techniques, handwashing and decontamination of respiratory equipment.