Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in pediatric oncology patients: balancing infection prevention and family-centered care

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2013 Apr;35(3):227-31. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e318257a6ca.

Abstract

In February 2007, we experienced an abrupt 8-fold increase in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)-positive pediatric hematology/oncology patients in isolation per day, peaking at 12 patients in isolation per day in June 2007. We enforced and expanded infection prevention practices and initiated a rigorous 6-month clearance process. After noting an eventual decrease, we modified clearance to a 3-month process, maintaining <1 patient/day in isolation by June 2009, subjectively improving family and staff satisfaction after this 2-year process. VRE infection was relatively uncommon (7.8%), although continued VRE colonization portended an overall poorer prognosis.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Enterococcus / drug effects*
  • Family
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / prevention & control*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Infection Control*
  • Oncology Service, Hospital*
  • Patient-Centered Care*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Vancomycin Resistance*