LAUSR

Introduction Infections are very frequent in patients who are admitted to Intensive Care Units, sometimes being a reason for admission and in others the infection is acquired during ICU stay. Epidemiology The most frequent causes of acquired infection in the community that require admission to the ICU are respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and infections of the central nervous system. Among the infections acquired in the ICU, devices-associated infections are the most frequent. Etiology The most frequent in ICU are Gram negative pathogens. Etiopathogenesis In the critical patient, several factors are combined making them especially vulnerable to infections. Clinical manifestations Depends on the location of the infection. Diagnosis It must be early due to its increased mortality. Prognosis Nosocomial infections are associated with an increase in mortality and in the length of stay. Treatment The delay in treatment is associated with an increase in mortality.