Development and internal validation of a nomogram for early prediction of hospital-acquired ESKAPE colonization or infection in very preterm infants using indicators available within 24 hours - Report - MDSpire

Development and internal validation of a nomogram for early prediction of hospital-acquired ESKAPE colonization or infection in very preterm infants using indicators available within 24 hours

  • By

  • Cheng Wen

  • Jieling Ma

  • Lijuan Zhang

  • Liping Yang

  • Xiaoxue Luo

  • Ling Yan

  • June 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Nomogram for Early Detection of ESKAPE Infections in Preterm Infants

Overview

A nomogram was developed for early detection of hospital-acquired ESKAPE infections in very preterm infants, utilizing clinical indicators available within the first 24 hours after birth. The model demonstrated moderate discrimination and good calibration, supporting early risk stratification in NICUs.

Background

ESKAPE pathogens are significant contributors to hospital-acquired infections in very preterm infants, who are particularly vulnerable due to their immature immune systems and frequent medical interventions. Early identification of infants at high risk for ESKAPE colonization or infection is crucial for implementing timely infection control measures and improving clinical outcomes. This study addresses the urgent need for effective predictive tools in neonatal intensive care settings.

Data Highlights

{'validation_cohort': {'Infants with ESKAPE infection': 'Not specified'}}

Key Findings

  • 16.56% of very preterm infants developed hospital-acquired ESKAPE colonization or infection.
  • 67.5% of infections were identified within 14 days after birth.
  • The four predictors retained in the nomogram were GA at birth, initial invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive exposure within the first 24 hours, and 5-minute Apgar score.
  • The nomogram showed moderate discrimination with AUC values of 0.786 and 0.770 in training and validation cohorts, respectively.
  • Calibration curves indicated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed risks.

Clinical Implications

The developed nomogram can assist healthcare professionals in identifying very preterm infants at high risk for ESKAPE infections, enabling targeted infection control strategies. Early risk stratification may lead to improved clinical management and outcomes in NICU settings. Further validation and prospective studies are necessary for routine clinical application.

Conclusion

This study presents a valuable tool for early prediction of hospital-acquired ESKAPE infections in very preterm infants. Future research should focus on external validation and implementation in clinical practice.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- A Three-Factor Nomogram Predicts the Use of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation within 72 Hours in Preterm Infants
  2. Infection, 2020 -- The Presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Enterobacterales in Stool Cultures of Preterm Infants Does Not Correlate with Increased Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A 12-Year Retrospective Case-Control Analysis
  3. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Predicting severe intraventricular hemorrhage in very preterm and/or very low birth weight infants: a nomogram approach
  4. PubMed -- Enterobacterales gut colonization and late-onset sepsis in neonates: a multicentre prospective study across 18 neonatal intensive care units in six countries
  5. CDC -- NICU:S. aureus Prevention and Control Recommendations
  6. Intensive Care Medicine — Immune Dysfunction Risk Assessment in Critically Ill Patients Through Cell-Surface Markers: Findings from the INFECT Study
  7. CDC's 2025 CRE infection-control guidance
  8. Enterobacterales gut colonization and late-onset sepsis in neonates: a multicentre prospective study across 18 neonatal intensive care units in six countries - PubMed
  9. Risk factors for colonization/infection by resistant microorganisms in outbreaks in neonatal unit—a systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect

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