RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of an epidemiologic surveillance program, from 1990 to the first semester of 1997, in a new high-specialty pediatric hospital and perform a comparison with previous reports. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The total number and type of nosocomial infections, the incidence rate and density incidence for department and division, for different age groups and according to immune statues were registered. RESULTS: The global incidence of nosocomial infections during the period was 25.7 per 100 discharges, with a progressive decrease during the last three years. Although immunocompromised patients had more infections than immunocompetent ones, the difference was not significative. The three most common infections were: pneumonia, vascular line infections and upper respiratory tract infections. It is possible that upper respiratory tract infections are contributing to the elevation of global incidence rates of nosocomial infections. CONCLUSIONS: The change of infection epidemiology regarding previous experience has led to the implementation of programs to prevent the most frequent problems. It is necessary to intensify the different prevention programs and to increase their reach in order to cut down costs in a short term.