International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 16s, 2026

Burden and Risk Factors of Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Study from India

Dr. Said Memon1, Dr. Afreen Khan2*, Dr. Devki Nandan3, Dr. Lucky Manik4, Dr. Neetu Shree5

1MBBS, MD, Department of Pediatrics, HAHC & HIMSR, New Delhi, 110062, India. Email: memonsaid2@gmail.com

2*Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi, 110062. Email: afreenkhan1204@yahoo.com. ORCID ID: 0000000164773019

3Ex-Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and l MBBS, MD. Email: devkinandan2002@gmail.com

4Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, HAHC & HIMSR, New Delhi, 110062, India. Email: luckymanik102@gmail.com

5Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, HAHC & HIMSR, New Delhi, 110062, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, spectrum, risk factors, and outcomes of HAIs in an Indian tertiary care PICU.

Methods: A six-month prospective observational study included children aged 1 month–18 years, admitted ≥48 hours and infection-free at baseline. HAIs were diagnosed using CDC/NHSN criteria. Demographic, clinical, and device-related variables were analyzed.

Results: Among 444 admissions, 247 patients (1,783 patient-days) were eligible. The crude infection rate was 9.7%. Gastroenteritis (50%) was the most frequent HAI, followed by pneumonia and bloodstream infections (16.7% each). Younger age, central venous catheters (OR 7.82, p=0.022), and mechanical ventilation (OR 10.48, p=0.013) were independent risk factors. Device-associated infection rates were 52.6/1,000 central line and 25.6/1,000 ventilator days. HAIs significantly prolonged PICU and hospital stay (p<0.001), though mortality was unaffected.

Conclusion: HAIs remain a major burden in PICUs, particularly among younger and device-dependent patients. Strict infection control and timely device removal are essential to improve outcomes.

Keywords: Hospital Acquired infection, PICU, Pediatrics, Infections.

How to cite this article: Memon S, Khan A, Nandan D, Manik L, Shree N. Burden and Risk Factors of Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Study from India. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(16s): 86-94. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.16s.10

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None