Icu and antimicrobial resistance: How to face an everincreasing challenge?
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Abstract
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance in critical care units represents one of the main challenges of health care, associated with high morbidity and unfavorable prognostic impact.
Objective: To analyze the epidemiological dynamics, microbiological profile, risk factors, and prognostic impact of antimicrobial resistance in intensive care units, considering different patient profiles.
Method: This is an integrative literature review based on the analysis of 20 scientific articles that investigated healthcareassociated infections, pathogen prevalence, and bacterial resistance in different critical care settings.
Results: There was a predominance of gram-negative bacilli, especially microorganisms associated with high clinical severity, especially in ventilator-associated lung infections and bloodstream infections. Patients in specialized units, such as burns, pediatric, neonatal, and liver units, showed specific vulnerabilities. In addition, inadequacies in the nursing team sizing were associated with increased risk of microorganism dissemination.
Conclusion: The reduction of antimicrobial resistance in these contexts requires an integrated approach, including programs for the rational use of antimicrobials, incorporation of rapid diagnostic methods, strict adherence to preventive measures, and adequacy of the workload of health professionals.
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