Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in hospitalized children.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the epidemiology and risk factors for colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.

DESIGN

Survey; case-control study.

SETTING

Children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Pediatric oncology patients.

INTERVENTION

Contact isolation, restriction of vancomycin prescribing.

RESULTS

There was a high prevalence of colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci among pediatric oncology patients. The length of hospitalization and the administration of vancomycin and other intravenous antibiotics was associated with colonization. Prevention of colonization was associated with restriction of vancomycin use and contact isolation.

CONCLUSIONS

Vancomycin use may predispose to colonization with vancomycin-resistant E faecium. Vancomycin-resistant E faecium may be nosocomially spread. Contact isolation and restriction of vancomycin use may prevent spread of vancomycin-resistant E faecium.