Closed early and neonatal intensive care unit in Essen because of germs

University Hospital Essen temporarily closes the early and neonatal intensive care units

After the antibiotic-resistant hospital germ AER was detected in five patients, the University Hospital Essen in consultation with the health department Essen closed its early and neonatal intensive care unit. "Patients in the early and neonatal intensive care units will be relocated to a specially set-up ward in the university hospital, where they will continue to receive intensive medical care," according to the Uniklinik.

According to the hospital, a child has been infected with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in the pediatric unit's early and neonatal intensive care units. A colonization with the same pathogen was detected in four other patients of the station. In close cooperation with the health department Essen, the university hospital decided to temporarily close the station to carry out extensive disinfection measures and prevent the spread of the germs.

The University Hospital Essen has closed its early and neonatal intensive care unit due to the detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. (Image: Tobilander / fotolia.com)

AER a dreaded hospital germ

In principle, enterococci are part of the normal intestinal flora, but in exceptional cases the pathogens can cause infections in already immunocompromised patients or preterm infants. VRE are special enterococci that have developed resistance to the reserve antibiotic vancomycin and are counted among the so-called hospital germs, which are responsible for hundreds of thousands of infections during hospital stays every year.

Extensive disinfection measures arranged

"Because the proliferation of surface-active pathogens can be spread over contaminated objects and surfaces, as well as over hands, we have opted for temporary closure to perform extensive disinfection without endangering patients," emphasizes the Medical Director of the University Medical Center Essen, Professor Jochen A. Werner. In any case, further dissemination must be prevented. "Our doctors, nursing staff and hospital hygiene staff work together closely and closely with the health department Essen in the interests of those concerned," continues Prof. Werner. For the time being, however, no patients can be admitted to the affected premature and neonatal intensive care unit.

Colonization identified during screening

The first colonization was identified on the basis of a screening, which is regularly carried out in Essen beyond the statutory requirements in all patients of the early and neonatal intensive care units. After the occurrence of further colonization was "immediately and precautionary informed the health department Essen", reports the University Hospital. As a result, the "screenings were intensified once again and, in addition to the repeated routine inspections, additional inspections of the ward were carried out immediately by the health department Essen."

Condition of the infected child stable

In view of the evidence of the AER infection on Wednesday, the University Hospital Essen has decided to "immediate transparent communication" to avoid insecurity. The ill child of the early and neonatal intensive care unit will be treated with antibiotics and is currently isolated. His condition is stable, according to the hospital. The remaining children have only colonization without infection.

Closure of the early and neonatal intensive care unit is essential

Given the resilience of the AER, the extensive hygiene measures, including the associated temporary closure of the early and neonatal intensive care units, are unavoidable, according to the University Hospital. In close consultation with the Essen health authorities, a detailed catalog of measures has been prepared for the particular situation and, in addition to the inspections, there is currently a daily briefing of the managers of the premature and neonatal intensive care units, hospital hygiene at the University Hospital Essen and the health department Essen. (Fp)