Information
- The management of infectious disease is a crucial skill for the intensivist. Epidemiologic studies suggest that more than 70% of adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) receive antibiotics and about 50% demonstrate overt signs of infection during their stay. Infection is a major contributor to mortality among the most critically ill, especially following trauma, burns, and extensive surgical insults (
see : Blood Cultures). - Patients who are critically ill have numerous potential sources of infection, as outlined in Table 12.1. Tables 12.2 to 12.4 summarize the common bacterial pathogens referred to herein.
- A broad overview of β-lactam antimicrobial spectra is given in Tables 12.5 and 12.6. More detailed treatment recommendations can be found under Section IV.
- See regarding how to obtain blood cultures.