[Antibiotic resistance: development in surgical intensive care].

BACKGROUND

During the last years we have always found an increase of antibiotic resistance. This increase is combined with high antibiotic consumption. The reasons for the problems are mis-takes in the prescription of antibiotics and the -in-crease of risk-patients because of demographic aging and the development and progress of surgery and medicine.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We describe the general development of bacterial resistance and factors that influence it. Data from two intensive care units are evaluated. We describe the main anti-biotic-resistant isolates for surgery and the mechanisms to avoid the development of bacterial resistance.

RESULTS

The emergency increase of bacterial resistance shows severe clinical and economical problems. For surgery especially the multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms represent an important hygienic and therapeutic problem.

CONCLUSION

In order to positively influence the development of bacterial resistance, strict guidelines, especially for intensive stations, must be consequently applied and controlled. In spite of knowledge of these problems for a number of years many reserves are still available for the care of critical patients.