Assessing effect of catheter type and position on central line-associated bloodstream infections in the NICU

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Central venous catheter usage in NICU remains associated with serious complications such as bloodstream infection. Also, low position (underdiaphragmatic) of umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is tolerated despite not recommended. To our knowledge, no previous study assessed the effect of such a position on central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) rates in the NICU. OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of this study were to assess global CLABSI rates for each central catheter subtype and position, and specific rates according to birth weight and gestational age. Dwell time before infection and microorganisms involved were also evaluated. DESIGN/METHODS For this retrospective cohort study, all neonates hospitalized in Level 3 NICU, from April 1st 2011 to March 31st 2016, in whom a central line was inserted, were included. Data about catheter insertion, demographic characteristics and bloodstream infections was extracted from local CVC database, local CLABSI database, patient medical record, post catheter insertion X-rays and Canadian Neonatal Network database. Difference in CLABSI rates and type of microorganisms involved were analyzed using Cox regression and Chi2. Difference in dwell time was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and evolution in time of the proportion of each type of catheter presented as observational data. RESULTS A total of 1577 neonates were included and 2440 CVC were studied. Median gestational age (GA) was 30 2/7 [26 6/, 37] weeks and birth weight (BW) was 1310 [680, 2796] g. Of the 2440 neonates, 1308 were boys (53.6%). There was a total of 197 CLABSI. Total number of catheter days over the study period was 23 479 days. CLABSI rate for high UVC was 11.49 per 1000 catheter days compared to 6.92 for PICC line (p < 0.001) and 5.14 for femoral CVC (p = 0.008). CLABSI rate for low UVC was 17.31 per 1000 catheter days (p = 0.002 when compared to high UVC). Median dwell time before infection is 7 days for high UVC, 5 days for low UVC and 11 days for PICC (p < 0.001). Microorganism involved in CLABSI was a majority of Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 57.1–71.9% without a statistically significant difference between groups (p= 0.33). CONCLUSION Evolution of CVC usage over years remained stable. CLABSI rates are significantly higher with all UVC compared with PICC line and femoral CVC, particularly for newborn < 1500g and < 32 weeks of GA. Low UVC are associated to higher CLABSI rates than high UVC. Health professionals should be cautious with indwelling UVC, especially when in low position. They might conisder replacing low lines by a PICC as soon as possible.