Abstract
Catheter-related bacteremia is a major complication in patients with long-term surgically implanted central venous catheters, which are difficult and expensive to remove. Conventional treatment fails in a significant number of cases, resulting in removal of the device. The antibiotic-lock technique involves instilling a high concentration of antibiotic into the catheter lumen, and allowing it to remain for a period of time. Results of several open studies, mainly involving patients receiving home parenteral nutrition, indicate that this method may be regarded as an alternative to the conservative treatment of noncomplicated intraluminal catheter-related bacteremia, in which infection may be treated without catheter removal. However, many questions about this therapeutic method remain to be resolved, including appropriate concentration of antibiotics, duration of treatment, and whether or not concomitant systemic antibiotic therapy is necessary. Prospective studies comparing the antibiotic-lock technique with conventional treatment are needed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
