Incidence Of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection Research Articles

Catheter Salvage After Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection During Home Parenteral Nutrition.

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a common complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Data regarding catheter salvage after a CRBSI episode are limited. We aimed to determine the incidence of CRBSI and rates of catheter salvage in adult patients receiving HPN. We retrospectively searched our prospectively maintained HPN database for the records of all adult patients receiving HPN from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2013, at our tertiary referral center. Data abstracted from the medical records included demographics, diseases, treatments, and outcomes. The incidence of CRBSI and rates of catheter salvage were determined. Of 1040 patients identified, 620 (59.6%) were men. The median total duration on HPN was 124.5 days (interquartile range, 49.0-345.5 days). Mean (SD) age at HPN initiation was 53.3 (15.3) years. During the study period, 465 CRBSIs developed in 187 patients (18%). The rate of CRBSI was 0.64/1000 catheter days. Overall, 70% of catheters were salvaged (retained despite CRBSI) during the study period: 78% of infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci, 87% with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and 27% with methicillin-resistant S aureus. The percentage of catheters salvaged was 63% from 1990 to 1994, 63% from 1995 to 1999, 61% from 2000 to 2004, 72% from 2005 to 2009, and 76% from 2010 to 2013. Catheter salvage is possible after a CRBSI episode. Since most episodes of CRBSI are caused by skin commensals, effective treatment without removal of the central venous catheter is possible in most cases.

Environmental Risk Factors for Developing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection in Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients: A 6-Year Follow-up Study.

Tunneled, cuffed, central venous catheters, including Hickman catheters and peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs), are the most commonly used venous access for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) therapy. Catheter-related bloodstream infection is the most prevalent and severe complication. This study investigated whether environmental risk factors, including smoking, catheter management by a home care nurse, colectomy with stoma, number of infusion days per week, and C-reactive protein at catheter insertion day, influenced the time to first catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). In this 6-year (2008-2014) observational cohort study, adult patients with intestinal failure receiving HPN through either Hickman catheters or PICCs were included. Data were obtained by reviewing medical records, and the environmental risk factors were analyzed with the Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 295 catheters (Hickman catheters: n = 169 and PICCs: n = 126) inserted into 136 patients were registered. Using the PICCs, 1 additional infusion day per week showed to significantly decrease the time to first CRBSI by a factor of 2.47. Hickman catheters managed by a home care nurse had a significantly increased mean (SD) incidence of CRBSI of 1.45 (0.68) per 1000 catheter days. Hickman catheters not managed by a home care nurse had a mean (SD) incidence of 0.56 (0.24). Using the PICC, 1 additional infusion day per week decreased the time to first CRBSI, while having the Hickman catheter managed by a home care nurse increased the mean CRBSI incidence. No other risk factors were found.

Effect of target intervention on preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of target intervention in preventing catheter- related bloodstream infection(CRBSI). Methods The targeted monitoring was launched by changing venepuncture site,reinforcing instructions in aseptic insertion technique and hand hygiene supervision, avoiding femoral access and removing unnecessary catheters, venous puncture implemented by high qualification anesthesiologist, then the incidence of CRBSI before and after the project was compared. Results The incidence of CRBSI after the project decreased significantly from 17.97% to 4.32%,the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 40.82,P<0.05).Chi- square test and logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of infection was increased in patients with catheter for longer than 10 days(χ2= 4.33,P< 0.05),the incidence of CRBSI was decreased in patients that central venous puncture implemented by high qualification anesthesiologist(χ2= 9.21,P< 0.05),and patients received catheter indwelling into femoral vein had increased incidence of CRBS(χ2 = 7.45,P< 0.05). Conclusion Indwelling catheter time, unskilled operator, catheter site are risk factors in patients with CRBSI. In response to these factors, we should develop interventions to maximize establish a protective barrier, improve the quality of the medical operation, prevent the occurrence of CRBSI more efficiently. Key words: Catheter, central venous; Catheter-related blood stream infection; Infection control

Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections in intensive care unit

To explore the epidemiological characteristics, bacterial composition and risk factors for patients with catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in intensive care unit (ICU). A prospective survey was conduced for 2 605 ICU patients during January 2010 to December 2013. The clinical data of CRBSI and non-CRBSI patients were compared and their relevant risk factors analyzed. Among them, there were 1 773 cases of arteriovenous catheterization. And 94 cases (5.3%) had CRBSI. The 1 000-day catheter infection rate was 9.8. The mortality rates of CRBSI and non-CRBSI patients were 23.4% and 10.7% respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (χ² = 14.38, P < 0.01). The occurrence of CRBSI was a risk factor for mortality. Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of CRBSI was 3.33 folds for venous catheterization time > 6 days over ≤ 6 days (95% CI: 2.04-5.56), 2.50 folds for trauma patients over non-trauma ones (95% CI: 1.49-4.17), 2.98 folds for malignant tumors patients over non-malignant tumors ones (95% CI: 1.61-5.51) and 4.32 folds for diabetics over non-diabetics (95% CI: 2.07-9.01). For different sites of arteriovenous catheterization, the occurrences of CRBSI were not statistically significant. For CRBSI patients with blood culture, the positive microorganisms were gram-negative bacteria (61.7%), gram-positive bacteria (26%) and fungi (12.3%). The occurrence of CRBSI is a risk factor for mortality. And diabetes, trauma and arteriovenous catheterization time > 6 days are risk factors for CRBSI. Comprehensive preventive measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of CRBSI.

A Descriptive Study of the Risk Factors Associated With Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in the Home Parenteral Nutrition Population.

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is increasingly used for nutrition support after patients are discharged from the hospital. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) are a common and potentially fatal complication of HPN. The risk factors for development of CR-BSI in the outpatient setting are poorly understood. We conducted an observational, retrospective study of 225 patients discharged from Barnes-Jewish Hospital on HPN between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009. HPN complications were defined as any cause that led to either premature discontinuation of HPN therapy or catheter replacement. CR-BSI events were identified by provider documentation. We calculated the overall complication rate and the complication rate specifically due to CR-BSI. Backward stepwise Cox regression analyses were used to assess for independent predictors of catheter-related complications. In total, 111 of 225 patients (49%) developed complications while receiving HPN (incidence = 5.06 episodes/1000 catheter days). Sixty-eight of 225 patients (30%) required catheter removal for CR-BSI (incidence = 3.10 episodes/1000 catheter days). Independent predictors of line removal specifically due to infection included anticoagulant use, ulcer or open wound, and Medicare or Medicaid insurance. The following risk factors were associated with catheter-associated complications and/or CR-BSI: the presence of ulcers, the use of systemic anticoagulants, public insurance (Medicare or Medicaid), and patient age. Independent predictors of line removal for any complication included age and anticoagulant use. Catheter-related complications were extremely common in patients receiving HPN. Healthcare providers caring for individuals who require HPN should be aware of risk factors for complications.

Survey on the current situation of prevention and control of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in ICU of three-level hospital and control strategy

Objective To understand the current situation of the prevention and control of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections （ CRBSI ） in ICU of three-level hospital , and explore the countermeasures .Methods The self-designed questionnaires were used in the study .The prevention and control and the quality management of ICUCRBSI at present in eight hospital were investigated ; and the cognition, the agree degree and the behavior of the related knowledge of the prevention and control of CRBSI in 252 nurses were also investigated .Results Six hospitals in eight hospitals had the standard operating procedure for the prevention and control of CRBSI , and two hospitals had the special check list for the maintenance of central venous catheter （ CVC） .The special prevention and control of CRBSI supported by the guideline of CDC in the USA was poorly carried out in the different hospital .The scores of the cognition , the agree degree and the behavior of the related knowledge of the prevention and control of CRBSI in 252 nurses were respectively （55.88 ±7.46）, （20.21 ±1.48） and （72.59 ±6.83）.Conclusions The three-level hospital in one city is lack of the standard operating procedure for the prevention and control of CRBSI , the check list for CVC catheter and maintenance .The medical staff should strengthen the training of the prevention and control of CRBSI , and increase the behavior compliance so as to decrease the incidence of CRBSI and improve the successful rate of rescue in the critically ill patients . Key words: Intensive care unit; Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections; Quality management; Questionnaire survey

Infectious complications following serial transverse enteroplasty in infants and children with short bowel syndrome

BackgroundSerial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) lengthens and tapers dilated small bowel in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Previous reports document encouraging outcomes with regard to tolerance for enteral nutrition (EN) and complications appear related to the re-operative nature of many cases and to the presence of multiple staple lines. However, infectious complications following STEP have not been examined. Since infections, especially catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI), are considered detrimental in infants and children with SBS, we sought to define the frequency and outcomes of peri-operative infections associated with STEP. MethodsAll children with SBS who underwent a STEP between 2004 and 2012 were indentified and their medical records were reviewed. Patients were considered candidates for a STEP if they had dilated small bowel and failure to advance enteral nutrition. For the purpose of this study, infections occurring within a 14-day period after STEP were considered procedure-related and were the focus of the study. ResultsA total of 18 patients underwent 23 STEP procedures. Primary diagnoses included intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and midgut volvulus. After the STEP, eight patients (35%) developed CRBSI, three developed wound infections, and two had urinary tract infections. Organisms isolated from either blood, wound or urine cultures included gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rods, and yeast. Perioperative antibiotics were administered in all cases with cefoxitin (43%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (30%) being most common. Neither antibiotic appeared superior in reducing the incidence of CRBSI. In three patients with persistent bacteremia despite adequate antibiotic therapy, a 74% ethanol lock resulted in negative blood cultures in all cases. Only one central venous catheter required replacement acutely for persistent fungemia. ConclusionSTEP can improve enteral tolerance. In this fragile patient population, however, STEP carries a documented infectious burden. The optimal antibiotic prophylaxis and the role of ethanol locking in patients undergoing STEP require further study.

Peripherally inserted central catheters in non-hospitalized cancer patients: 5-year results of a prospective study.

PurposeFew prospective follow-up studies evaluating the use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) to deliver chemotherapy and/or home parenteral nutrition (HPN) have focused exclusively on oncology outpatients. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the reliability and the safety of PICCs over a 5-year use in non-hospitalized cancer patients requiring long-term intravenous therapies.MethodsSince June 2008, all adult oncology outpatient candidates for PICC insertion were consecutively enrolled and the incidence of catheter-related complications was investigated. The follow-up continued until the PICC removal.ResultsTwo hundred sixty-nine PICCs in 250 patients (98 % with solid malignancies) were studied, for a total of 55,293 catheter days (median dwell time 184 days, range 15–1,384). All patients received HPN and 71 % received chemotherapy during the study period. The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) was low (0.05 per 1,000 catheter days), PICC-related symptomatic thrombosis was rare (1.1 %; 0.05 per 1,000 catheter days), and mechanical complications were uncommon (13.1 %; 0.63 per 1,000 catheter days). The overall complication rate was 17.5 % (0.85 per 1,000 catheter days) and PICCs were removed because of complications only in 7 % of cases. The main findings of this study were that, if accurately managed, PICCs can be safely used in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or HPN, recording a low incidence of CRBSI, thrombosis, and mechanical complications; a long catheter life span; and a low probability of catheter removal because of complications.ConclusionsOur study suggests that PICCs can be successfully utilized as safe and long-lasting venous access devices in non-hospitalized cancer patients.

Tunneled catheters with taurolidine-citrate-heparin lock solution significantly improve the inflammatory profile of hemodialysis patients.

Mortality and morbidity are significantly higher among patients with dialysis catheters, which has been associated with chronic activation of the immune system. We hypothesized that bacteria colonizing the catheter lumen trigger an inflammatory response. We aimed to evaluate the inflammatory profile of hemodialysis patients before and after locking catheters with an antimicrobial lock solution. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in serum, and levels of mRNA gene expression of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Samples were obtained at baseline and again after 3 months' use of taurolidine-citrate-heparin lock solution (TCHLS) in 31 hemodialysis patients. The rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) was 1.08 per 1,000 catheter-days in the heparin period and 0.04 in the TCHLS period (P = 0.023). Compared with the baseline data, serum levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 showed median percent reductions of 18.1% and 25.2%, respectively (P < 0.01), without significant changes in TNF-α or IL-10 levels. Regarding cytokine gene expression in PBMC, the median mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased by 20% (P < 0.05) and 19.7% (P = 0.01), respectively, without changes in IL-10 expression levels. The use of TCHLS to maintain the catheter lumen sterility significantly reduces the incidence of CRBSI and improves the inflammatory profile in hemodialysis patients with tunneled catheters. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects on clinical outcomes.

577 A Potential Association Between Remnant Bowel Anatomy and the Incidence of Catheter-Related Blood-Stream Infections (CRBSIS) in Adult Intestinal Failure (IF) Patients Depending in Home Parenteral Nutrition(HPN)

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) depend on parenteral support through a central line for survival, but are challenged by the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Employing the Copenhagen HPN database, we investigated the association between the remaining bowel anatomy and the incidence and infectious species in CRBSIs with the aim of identifying risk factors. Methods: The CopenhagenHPNdatabase is based on a retrospective annually review of all charts from adult patients, who have received HPN from Rigshospitalet, Denmark. The diagnosis of a CRBSI required clinical signs of a systemic infection and positive blood cultures, with the exclusion of other causes of infections. Results: From 1970 to 2010, 510 IF patients were discharged with HPN, in total contributing to 1745 HPN years. In 256 of the IF patients 873 CRBSI were detected: 595 mono-bacteraemia, 140 polybacteraemia, 85 fungemia and 49 combinations of bacteraemia and Candidemia. The species of bacteraemia and Candidemia were determined in 869 CRBSIs, while 4 positive cultures were recorded without species. The cohort were divided into three groups according to remain bowel anatomy (-colon, +colon and no-surgical). The overall incidence of CRBSIs in HPN were 1.37 per 1000 HPN days. In the group without colon, the incidence of CRBSIs were 1.54 per 1000 HPN days. The median remaining small intestine was 125 cm, and the median age at complication was 57.8 years. The group were subdivided dependent on the remaining small intestine ( 200cm) with minor variations in incidence (1.59, 1.69, 1.42 and 1.60 per 1000 HPN days). The CRBSI incidence in IF patients with remaining colon was 0.92 per 1000 HPN days. The median small intestine was 100 cm, and the patients had a median of 70.5% of remaining colon. The median age at complication in this group was 49.1 years. The colon-group was first split into two: less/ above 50% remaining colon with CBRSI incidences of 0.42 and 1.06 per 1000 HPN days. Staphylococcus spp were detected in 55 % of blood cultures in IF patients with colon, while only seen in 30 % in IF patients without remaining colon. In the no colon group enterobacteriaceae were more frequent (50 %) with the exception of IF patients with < 50 cm small intestine (24 %). Candidemia were detected in 14 % of the cultures from IF patients without colon, while only 6.8 % in IF patients with colon. Conclusion: The CRBSI incidence rate in IF patients without colon is almost two fold higher compared to IF patients with remaining colon. Most frequently IF patients with a colon had bacteraemia with Staphylococci, while CRBSI in patients without a colon as frequently were caused by enterobacteriaceae. Candidemia was most frequently seen in patients without colon. The role of remaining bowel on the incidence of CRBSI needs further investigation. Tabel 1: Incidence of CRBSIs in HPN years and 1000 HPN days.

Hemodialysis Catheter Design and Catheter Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A complication of long-term use of tunneled cuffed catheters for hemodialysis is the high rate of infection and thrombus-related dysfunction. Specific mechanical features of tunneled cuffed catheters may improve hemodynamic performance and decrease thrombosis and infection rates. However, there currently is no proven advantage of one design over another. Single-center randomized clinical trial. 302 hemodialysis patients who required a tunneled cuffed catheter as temporary or definite vascular access. Palindrome Symmetric Tip Dialysis Catheter or HemoStar Long-Term Hemodialysis Catheter. The primary end point was primary assisted patency. Secondary end points were incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), thrombosis, and 2 indicators of rheologic function: mean effective blood flow rate and urokinase use. Mean primary assisted patency was 135.9 days for Palindrome and 136.5 days for HemoStar (P=0.8). Definite CRBSI occurred in 0.24 and 0.10/1,000 catheter-days for Palindrome and HemoStar, respectively (P=0.3). Removal rates for thrombosis that could not be resolved with thrombolysis were 0.53 and 0.43/1,000 catheter-days for Palindrome and HemoStar, respectively (P=0.7). Urokinase use was lower for Palindrome than for HemoStar, as evidenced by a lower number of urokinase infusions/1,000 catheter-days (17 and 35; P<0.001) and higher number of catheters that never required thrombolysis (58% and 45%; P=0.03). Mean effective blood flow rate was higher for Palindrome than for HemoStar (333 and 304mL/min; P<0.001). Single-center nonblinded trial. Primary assisted patency and incidence of infection and thrombosis were similar for both catheter types. The Palindrome catheter required less thrombolysis and achieved higher blood flow rates than the HemoStar catheter. These findings suggest that mechanical catheter design may improve catheter rheology, but does not affect risks for thrombosis and infection and hence catheter survival.

EPIQ Review.

A checklist that promotes compliance with aseptic technique during line insertion is a component of many care bundles aimed at reducing nosocomial infections among intensive care unit patients. To determine whether the use of bundled interventions that include a checklist during central-line insertions reduces catheter-related bloodstream infections in intensive care unit patients. A literature review was performed using methodology adapted from the American Heart Association's International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. Seventeen cohort studies were included. Thirteen studies were supportive of the intervention, while four were neutral. Infection rates ranged from 1.6 to 10.8 per 1000 central-line days in control groups, and from 0.0 to 3.8 per 1000 central-line days in the intervention groups. There is fair evidence to recommend the use of care bundles that include a checklist during central-line insertion in intensive care unit patients to reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Use of bundled interventions, including a checklist to promote compliance with aseptic technique, to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit.

A checklist that promotes compliance with aseptic technique during line insertion is a component of many care bundles aimed at reducing nosocomial infections among intensive care unit patients. To determine whether the use of bundled interventions that include a checklist during central-line insertions reduces catheter-related bloodstream infections in intensive care unit patients. A literature review was performed using methodology adapted from the American Heart Association's International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. Seventeen cohort studies were included. Thirteen studies were supportive of the intervention, while four were neutral. Infection rates ranged from 1.6 to 10.8 per 1000 central-line days in control groups, and from 0.0 to 3.8 per 1000 central-line days in the intervention groups. There is fair evidence to recommend the use of care bundles that include a checklist during central-line insertion in intensive care unit patients to reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Use of the Tego needlefree connector is associated with reduced incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients.

Background and objectivesCatheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are common in hemodialysis patients using central venous catheters, and catheter occlusion also occurs frequently. The Tego needlefree connector was developed to reduce the incidence of these complications; however, existing studies of its effectiveness and safety are limited.Materials and methodsThis retrospective analysis compared outcomes among patients of a large dialysis organization receiving in-center hemodialysis using a central venous catheter with either the Tego connector or standard catheter caps between October 1 and June 30, 2013. Incidence rates for intravenous (IV) antibiotic starts, receipt of an IV antibiotic course, positive blood cultures, mortality, and missed dialysis treatments were calculated, and incidence-rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Utilization of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and thrombolytics was described for each patient-month and compared using mixed linear models. Models were run without adjustment, adjusted for covariates that were imbalanced between cohorts, or fully adjusted for all potential confounders.ResultsThe analysis comprised 10,652 Tego patients and 6,493 controls. Tego use was independently associated with decreased risk of CRBSI, defined by initiation of IV antibiotics (adjusted IRR 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.97) or initiation of IV antibiotic course (adjusted IRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.95). Tego use was independently associated with decreased rate of missed dialysis treatments (adjusted IRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–1.00); no significant difference between Tego and control cohorts was observed with respect to mortality. Tego use was associated with decreased likelihood of thrombolytic use (adjusted per-month probability of 5.6% versus 6.2% for controls) and lower utilization of ESAs in study months 7–9.ConclusionUse of the Tego connector may reduce the risk of CRBSI and result in lower utilization of thrombolytics, antibiotics, and ESAs, as well as fewer missed dialysis treatments.

Ethanol Lock Therapy (E-Lock) in the Prevention of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CR-BSI) after Major Heart Surgery (MHS): A Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundLock-therapy with antimicrobials has been used for the treatment and prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI). Experiences with Ethanol-Locks (E-locks) have included therapeutic interventions with variable results. Patients undergoing Major Heart Surgery (MHS) are a high-risk population for CR-BSI.The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerance to E-Locks in the prevention of CR-BSI of patients undergoing MHS.Methods and FindingsThis is an academic, prospective, randomized, non-blinded and controlled clinical trial assessing the incidence of CR-BSI of patients with E-locks (E-lock) and the tolerance to the procedure in comparison with patients receiving conventional catheter-care (CCC). Patients undergoing MHS with intravascular catheters for more than 48 hours were randomly assigned into treatment or control group by a computer-generated list of randomly assigned numbers. In the treatment group, all their catheter lumens were locked with an ethanol solution at 70% for two hours, every three days (E-Locks). The control group received conventional catheter-care (CCC).Overall, 200 patients with 323 catheters were included in the study, which was stopped after 10 months due to adverse events. Of them, 179 catheters (113 patients) had E-Locks and 144 catheters (87 patients) were CCC. Euroscore Surgical Risk in both groups was 4.04 vs 4.07 p = 0.94 respectively. The results for the E-Locks and CCC were as follows: Incidence of CR-BSI/1000 days of exposure 2.1 vs 5.2 (p = 0.33), catheter tip colonization 14 (7.8%) vs 6 (4.2%) patients (p = 0.17), median length of hospital stay, 15 vs 16 days (p = 0.77). Seven patients (6.19%), all in the ethanol branch, had to discontinue the trial due to intolerance or adverse events.ConclusionsWe do not recommend prophylaxis of CR-BSI with ethanol-lock on a routine basis in patients undergoing Major Heart Surgery.Trial RegistrationClinical Trials.gov NCT01229592

Risk of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection in Elderly Patients on Hemodialysis

Elderly patients require tunneled central vein dialysis catheters more often than younger patients. Little is known about the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection in this population. This study identified 464 patients on hemodialysis with tunneled central vein dialysis catheters between 2005 and 2007 and excluded patients who accrued <21 catheter-days during this period. Outpatient and inpatient catheter-related bloodstream infection data were collected. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusting for sex, ancestry, comorbidites, dialysis vintage, dialysis unit, immunosuppression, initial catheter site, and first antimicrobial catheter lock solution was performed for risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection between nonelderly (18-74 years) and elderly (≥ 75 years) patients. In total, 374 nonelderly and 90 elderly patients with mean (SD) ages of 54.8 (12.3) and 81.3 (4.9) years and dialysis vintages of 1.8 (3.3) and 1.5 (2.9) years (P=0.47), respectively, were identified. Mean at-risk catheter-days were 272 (243) in nonelderly and 318 (240) in elderly patients. Between age groups, there were no significant differences in initial catheter site, type of catheter lock solution, or microbiology results. A total of 208 catheter-related bloodstream infection events occurred (190 events in nonelderly and 18 events in elderly patients), with a catheter-related bloodstream infection incidence per 1000 catheter-days of 1.97 (4.6) in nonelderly and 0.55 (1.6) in elderly patients (P<0.001). Relative to nonelderly patients, the hazard ratio for catheter-related bloodstream infection in the elderly was 0.33 (95% confidence interval, 0.20 to 0.55; P<0.001) after multivariate analysis. Elderly patients on hemodialysis using tunneled central vein dialysis catheters are at lower risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection than their younger counterparts. For some elderly patients, tunneled central vein dialysis catheters may represent a suitable dialysis access option in the setting of nonmaturing arteriovenous fistulae or poorly functioning synthetic grafts.

Chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine-impregnated venous catheters save costs

Previous cost-effectiveness analyses have found that the use of chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine (CHSS)-impregnated catheters is associated with decreased catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and central venous catheter (CVC)-related costs. However, in these analyses, the CVC-related cost included the increase of hospital stay. Our aim was to determine the immediate CVC-related cost (including only the cost of CVC, diagnosis of CRBSI, and antimicrobials for the treatment of CRBSI) of using a CHSS or a standard catheter in internal jugular venous access. We performed a prospective, observational, cohort study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), Hospital Universitario de Canarias (Tenerife, Spain), who received 1 or more internal jugular venous catheters. The study included 245 CHSS-impregnated catheters and 391 standard catheters. Exact logistic regression analysis showed that CHSS-impregnated catheters were associated with a lower incidence of CRBSI, controlling for catheter duration, than standard catheters (0 vs 5.04 CRBSI per 1,000 catheter-days, respectively; odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.712-0.898; P < .001). Poisson regression showed that CHSS-impregnated catheters were associated with lower CVC-related cost per day than standard catheters (€3.78 ± €4.45 vs €7.28 ± €16.71, respectively; odds ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.504-0.535; P < .001). Survival analysis showed that CHSS-impregnated catheters were associated with increased CRBSI-free time compared with standard catheters (χ(2) = 14.9; P < .001). The use of CHSS-impregnated catheters reduced the incidence of CRBSI and immediate CVC-related costs in the internal jugular venous access.

Sustained low incidence of central venous catheter-related infections over six years in a Swedish hospital with an active central venous catheter team

There are limited data on the long-term effects of implementing a central venous catheter (CVC) program for prevention of CVC infections. The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of CVC colonization, catheter-related infections (CRI), catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), and their risk factors over a 6-year period in a hospital with an active CVC team. We conducted a continuous prospective study aiming to include all CVCs used at our hospital during the years 2004 to 2009, evaluating colonization, CRI, CRBSI, and possible risk factors. A total of 2,772 CVCs was used during the study period. Data on culture results and catheterization time were available for 2,045 CVCs used in 1,674 patients. The incidences of colonization, CRI, and CRBSI were 7.0, 2.2, and 0.6 per 1,000 CVC-days, respectively. Analysis of quarterly incidences revealed 1 occasion with increasing infection rates. Catheterization time was a risk factor for CRI but not for CRBSI. Other risk factors for CRI were hemodialysis and CVC use in the internal jugular vein compared with the subclavian vein. Hemodialysis was the only risk factor for CRBSI. We found that a CRI prevention program led by an active CVC team and adhered to by the entire staff at a county hospital is successful in keeping CVC infections at a low rate over a long period of time.

Incidence of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Neonates Following Removal of Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters

Catheter-associated bloodstream infections are a significant source of morbidity and healthcare cost in the neonatal ICU. Previous studies examining the prevalence of bloodstream infections after removal of peripherally inserted central venous catheters in neonates are equivocal. A retrospective cohort study. All infants with peripherally inserted central venous catheters treated at the Vanderbilt neonatal ICU between 2007 and 2009. We evaluated the following outcomes: 1) bloodstream infections, 2) culture-negative sepsis, 3) number of sepsis evaluations, and 4) number of significant apnea/bradycardia events comparing odds ratios between 72 hours before and 72 hours after peripherally inserted central venous catheter removal. We analyzed a total of 1,002 peripherally inserted central venous catheters in 856 individual infants with a median (interquartile range) gestational age of 31 weeks (28-37 wk) and a median birth weight of 1,469 g (960-2,690 g). Comparing 72 hours before with 72 hours after peripherally inserted central venous catheter removal did not show a difference in the prevalence of bloodstream infections (9 vs 3, p = 0.08), prevalence of culture-negative sepsis (37 vs 40, p = 0.73), number of sepsis evaluations (p = 0.42), or number of apnea/bradycardia events (p = 0.32). However, in peripherally inserted central venous catheter not used for delivery of antibiotics, there was a 3.83-fold increase in odds for culture-negative sepsis following peripherally inserted central venous catheter removal (95% confidence interval, 1.48-10.5; p = 0.001). For infants less than 1,500 g birth weight (very low birth weight), odds for culture-negative sepsis increased to 6.3-fold following removal of peripherally inserted central venous catheters not used for antibiotic delivery (95% confidence interval, 1.78-26.86; p < 0.01). Although these data do not support the routine use of antibiotics for sepsis prophylaxis prior to peripherally inserted central venous catheter removal, they suggests that very low birth weight infants not recently exposed to antibiotics are at increased odds for associated adverse events following discontinuation of their peripherally inserted central venous catheter.

Simulation-Based Training for Nurses in Sterile Techniques During Central Vein Catheterization

The effectiveness of simulation-based training of critical care nurses in sterile techniques has not been determined. To evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based training of critical care nurses to use sterile techniques during central vein catheterization and the effect of such training on infection rates. A prospective controlled study with 12-month observational follow-up to assess the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections in a 23-bed medical, surgical, neurological critical care unit. Forty-six critical care nurses completed assessment and training in sterile technique skills in the simulation laboratory. Performance scores at baseline were poor: median scores in each category ranging from 0 to 2 out of a maximum score of 4 and a median total score of 7 out of a maximum score of 24. After simulation-based training, nurses' median scores in each ST category and their total scores improved significantly, with the median total score increasing to 23 (P < .01; median difference, 15; 95% CI, 14-16). After completion of the simulation-based training intervention, the mean infection rate in the unit was reduced by 85% from 2.61 to 0.4 infections per 1000 catheter-days (P = .02). The incidence rate-ratio derived from the Poisson regression (0.15; 95% CI, 0.03-0.78) indicates an 85% reduction in the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections in the unit after the intervention. Simulation-based training of critical care nurses in sterile technique is an important component in the strategy to reduce the occurrence of such infections and promote patient safety.