Objective        To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of nosocomial infection (NI) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs).       Methods        Clinical data of 220 VLBWIs admitted to our NICU and hospitalized over 48 h from Jan 2010 to Dec 2011 were analyzed retrospectively.        Results        There were 88 cases in the NI group suffered from 125 NIs. The incidence of NI was 40.0% and hospital stay-related incidence was 19.5%.

Among the 125 NIs

there were 83 (66.4%) respiratory tract infections

19 (15.2%) digestive tract infections and 15 (12.0%) septicemia. There were 97 strains of G

-

bacteria

of which resistance rate to penicillins and cephalosporins was 88.3% to 97.9%

whereas less than 30% to quinolones and carbapenems. Antibiotic use intensity was 3.76 in the NI group and 2.32 in the non-NI group. Antibiotic consumption was (1.67±1.21) g/DDD (defined daily dose

DDD) for each VLBWIs in the NI group

which was significantly different from that in the non-NI group [(0.62 0.50)g/DDD

]

(P0.01). The duration of hospital stay in the NI group [(44.38±25.98) d

]

was longer than that of the non-NI group [(19.05±15.29) d

]

(P0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed the independent risk factors of NI included hospital stay over 28 d

mechanical ventilation over 72 h and lipid emulsion infusion over 14 d.       Conclusion        NI incidence in VLBWIs is high. It prolongs hospital stay

and increases antibiotic use intensity and consumption. For effective control of NI in VLBWIs

it is critical to shorten the time of hospital stay

mechanical ventilation and lipid emulsion infusion.