Research from the University of Florida suggests a few common viral infections could negatively impact the outcomes of critically ill patients, according to a university news release.
UF researchers analyzed more than 200,000 critically ill patients across the U.S. using data from the national University HealthSystem Consortium. Investigators focused on four common, treatable viral infections, including influenza, and their role in hospital complications such as death.
The average stay of patients who were apparently free of infection was 11.5 days, compared with 21 days for those infected with viruses and 46.2 days for patients who had both viral and bacterial infections. Patients with both bacterial and viral infections had the strongest association with poorer outcomes such as death, multi-organ failure and septic shock.
Although it seems reasonable that infections can hinder the recovery of critically ill patients, scant evidence exists to justify more aggressive screening and treatment strategies. Patients in intensive care are not normally tested for viral infections throughout their hospital stay, according to the news release.
Read the news release about viral infections affecting patient outcomes.
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UF researchers analyzed more than 200,000 critically ill patients across the U.S. using data from the national University HealthSystem Consortium. Investigators focused on four common, treatable viral infections, including influenza, and their role in hospital complications such as death.
The average stay of patients who were apparently free of infection was 11.5 days, compared with 21 days for those infected with viruses and 46.2 days for patients who had both viral and bacterial infections. Patients with both bacterial and viral infections had the strongest association with poorer outcomes such as death, multi-organ failure and septic shock.
Although it seems reasonable that infections can hinder the recovery of critically ill patients, scant evidence exists to justify more aggressive screening and treatment strategies. Patients in intensive care are not normally tested for viral infections throughout their hospital stay, according to the news release.
Read the news release about viral infections affecting patient outcomes.
Related Articles on Infections:
California Laws on Infection Control, Reporting Have Yet to Produce Real Improvements
Study: GI Personnel Appear to Face Higher Risk of H. Pylori Infection
St. Cloud Hospital, Health Officials Investigate Suspend Nurse Following Infection Outbreak
