Elsevier Global Medical News -- Hospital-acquired infections are the leading cause of preventable mortality in pediatric patients, according to an analysis of data from hospitals in 19 states. Out of 5 million pediatric patient records from the period 2006-2008, there were 25,367 events identified, and of those, 1,465 potentially preventable inpatient deaths, according to HealthGrades, the independent health care ratings organization that conducted the review. Seventy percent of the deaths were associated with hospital-acquired infections, the Golden, Colo.–based company concluded.
