Abstract

DIFFERENT CLINICAL MARKERS FOR EARLY DETECTION OF ICU-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS THAT MAY HELP IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Tarig Osman*, Eltayeb Mohamed, Kamal Elhag and Ahmed Abu Salab

ABSTRACT

Background: Hospital-acquired infection is a severe problem in the ICU. Infection in ICU is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and carries a substantial economic burden. In developing countries, it is complicated with inadequate diagnostic facilities. Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate different vital signs as clinical markers of intensive care unit acquired infections that may help in early detection of infections, in different governmental hospitals in Khartoum state. Method: This is a prospective observational cross-sectional, case-finding, follow up ICU-based study. The study was conducted in intensive care units of nine governmental hospitals in Khartoum state, during the period from August 2016 to January 2017. 1230 patients were enrolled in the study. Data collected using a predesigned data collection sheet. Then data were analysed using SPSS. Results: The majority of the patient population fell in the age above 46 years; Males outnumbered females. The test of significance using Chi-square was revealed there are significant relationships between ICU acquired infections and: patients body temperature, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, Glasgow coma scale, respiratory rate, q SOFA score and SPO2. However, an insignificant association was found between ICU infections and patients’ heart rate. Conclusion: Screening of different vital signs amongst ICU admitted patients revealed that the patient's body temperature, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, Glasgow coma scale, respiratory rate, q SOFA score and SPO2 could be used as markers to indicate the presence of ICU acquired infection.

Keywords: Khartoum State, During the Period from August 2016 to January 2017.