The first NeoIPC Surveillance Reference Report is now available for download. This publication presents data collected from 26 neonatal units in Estonia, Germany, Greece, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, all participating in the NeoIPC surveillance since its launch in November 2023.
The report offers insights into hospital-acquired infections among high-risk newborns, meaning those with a birth weight under 1,500 grams or a gestational age under 32 weeks. It allows neonatal care teams to benchmark their infection rates against aggregated data from other participating units.
Hospital-acquired infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal units, especially among premature and low birth weight infants. Since 2023, the Penta-led NeoIPC project has supported neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) by offering free tools to systematically collect data on infection rates and associated risk factors. This initiative empowers NICUs to make evidence-based decisions and strengthen their infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies.
Based on 994 patient records, the report analyses key factors influencing infection risk, like gestational age, birth weight, surgical procedures and the use of invasive devices such as vascular catheters and mechanical ventilation. It also provides data on the incidence of various hospital-acquired infections, including sepsis, bloodstream infections, pneumonia and necrotising enterocolitis, alongside detection rates of infectious agents.
This is the first multinational reference dataset of its kind, offering an evidence-based foundation to guide infection control programmes, establish surveillance and prevention benchmarks, and support investments in staff training, infrastructure and data systems aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Join the NeoIPC surveillance
The NeoIPC surveillance system is a core component of NeoIPC‘s mission to improve infection prevention and control in neonatology. We encourage NICUs across Europe and around the world to explore the report and consider joining this important initiative. Learn more about the NeoIPC surveillance and how to pilot it in your own NICU.