Catheter-related Infection Rates Research Articles

Groshong or implanted catheter infections in ambulatory haematological patients

Incidence rates of bacteraemia and catheter-related infections were measured prospectively amongst haematological patients having long-term catheters and hospitalised in the ambulatory care unit between November 2005 and October 2006. The following risk factors were collected: age, sex, catheter type, follow-up duration, level of personal hygiene, pathology, number of lines of treatment, autograft and erythropoietin treatment. 340 patients were included, having 353 catheters (100 of the Groshong-type, followed during 17,621 days, and 253 of the type with implantable ports, followed during 51,049 days). 0.13 catheter-related infections and 0.07 bacteraemia per 100 catheter days were observed with the Groshong-type catheter, whereas 0.05 (P<10(-5)) catheter-related infections and 0.05 (P=0.048) bacteraemia were observed amongst patients with implantable ports. A multivariate analysis (Cox method taking into account the length of follow-up) on risk factors highlighted a significant effect of the type of catheter on catheter-related infections (Groshong versus implantable port OR=5.74, P<10(-3)), and of several factors on bacteraemia (lymphoma versus other pathologies OR=3.19, P=0.041; erythropoietin treatment OR=2.88, P=0.009; autograft OR=3.35, P=0.011; number of lines of treatment OR=0.68, P=0.047). It was not possible to determine if poor levels of personal hygiene had a significant impact, due to large numbers of missing data. These results, consistent with other studies, are not only useful in validating prevention policy but also in demonstrating lack of catheter traceability.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters May Lower the Incidence of Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infections in Patients in Surgical Intensive Care Units

Long-term central venous catheterization is associated with a higher rate of catheter-related blood stream infections (CR-BSI). It is unclear whether there is a difference in the CR-BSI rate associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in long-stay patients in surgical intensive care units (SICUs). We hypothesized that PICC use reduces the rate of CR-BSI compared with use of antiseptic CVCs in these patients. All 121 patients admitted to our SICU for ≥14 days between July 2005 and July 2006 were included. Central venous access was maintained with an antiseptic CVC (Arrow Guard silver/chlorhexidine; n = 263) or replacement with a PICC (n = 37). Experienced residents, using maximum barrier precautions and chlorhexidine skin preparation, placed central lines; a credentialed registered nurse placed PICCs similarly. A CR-BSI was defined by semi-quantitative catheter tip cultures with ≥15 colony-forming units and at least one positive blood culture with the same organism. Multivariable regression was performed to identify predictors of CR-BSI. There were 13 CVC infections and one PICC infection, resulting in an infection rate of 6.0/1,000 catheter-days for CVCs and 2.2/1,000 for PICCs. Infected and non-infected CVCs were in place a mean of 25 ± 11 and 16 ± 9 days, respectively. The infected PICC was in place for 19 days, whereas the remainder of the PICCs were in place a mean of 14 ± 17 days. Logistic regression demonstrated that line days (duration of catheterization) was the only independent predictor of CVC infection (p = 0.015). In this non-randomized study, PICC was associated with fewer CR-BSIs in long-stay SICU patients, although CVCs were in place longer than PICC lines. The only predictor of CVC infection was the duration the line was in place. These results suggest that minimizing the duration of central venous access and substituting PICC for CVC may reduce the incidence of CR-BSI in long-stay SICU patients.

Emergence of Gentamicin-Resistant Bacteremia in Hemodialysis Patients Receiving Gentamicin Lock Catheter Prophylaxis

Antibiotic locks in catheter-dependent chronic hemodialysis patients reduce the rate of catheter-related blood stream infections (CRIs), but there are no data regarding the long-term consequences of this practice. Over a 4-year period, from October 1, 2002, to September 30, 2006, we initiated a gentamicin and heparin lock (GHL) protocol in 1410 chronic hemodialysis patients receiving dialysis through a tunneled catheter in eight outpatient units. Within the first year of the GHL protocol, our CRI rate decreased from 17 to 0.83 events per 1000 catheter-days. Beginning 6 months after initiation of the GHL protocol, febrile episodes occurred in 13 patients with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus bacteremia resistant to gentamicin. Over the 4 years of GHL use, an additional 10 patients developed 11 episodes of gentamicin-resistant CRI (including 7 with Enterococcus faecalis), in which there were 4 deaths, 2 cases of septic shock requiring intensive care unit admission, and 4 cases of endocarditis. Because of these events, the GHL protocol was discontinued at the end of 2006. Although the use of GHL effectively lowered the CRI rate in our dialysis population, gentamicin-resistant CRIs emerged within 6 months. Gentamicin-resistant infections are a serious complication of the long-term use of GHLs. Alternative nonantibiotic catheter locks may be preferable to decrease the incidence of CRIs without inducing resistant pathogens.

PTH-059 The nutrition team experience in a district general hospital: a 7-year review of the impact on parenteral nutrition

<h3>Introduction</h3> A multidisciplinary nutrition team was introduced in 2002 after an initial retrospective audit demonstrated a high rate of inappropriate parenteral nutrition (PN) use and associated complications with unregulated use. The team comprises a gastroenterologist, nutrition nurse, dietician, microbiologist, pharmacist and a biochemist. This audit was carried out to assess the role of the nutrition team since its introduction. <h3>Methods</h3> All patients accepted for PN between 2002 and 2009 were included in this prospective audit. Patient demographics, indications, duration, complications and outcomes were recorded. <h3>Results</h3> 202 patients (107 male, 95 female, mean age 62, range 16–85) received PN, for a total of 4668 PN days. Median duration of PN administration was 9 days (range 1–365). Over the study period the service has expanded, with the number of patients receiving PN increasing from 19 patients in 2002 to 56 patients in 2009. There has been a wide range of indications for PN including high output stomas, fistulae and other complex abdominal conditions. The predominant indication for PN was paralytic ileus (36%). 39 catheter related infections developed in 35 (17%) patients, giving a rate of 0.83 catheter related infection per 100 PN days. This improved from 1.82 in 2002 to 0.69 in 2009 as a result of line management training provided by nutrition nurses. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently cultured organism (35%). Over the same period there were 4 catheter related infections in 19 home PN (HPN) patients managed by the nutrition team. The 4 infections were observed in two patients who were both self administering PN. The rate of infection in the HPN patients was 0.06 per 100 PN days. 70 (35%) patients died while on PN, however no deaths were attributable to PN. A total of 100 (50%) patients returned to enteral feeding. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There has been a steady rise in referrals to the nutrition team. There has been more judicious PN use and those with a functioning gastro-intestinal tract are directed towards enteral feeding with bridled naso-gastric or naso-jejunal tubes, also supervised by the nutrition team. The introduction of specialist nutrition nurses has seen an improvement in the rate of catheter related infection. The significantly lower rate of catheter related infection in HPN patients suggests that line management can be improved. Further improvement may be possible with the introduction of a dedicated line management team and ring fenced nutrition beds within the surgical unit.

Maximal Sterile Barrier Precautions Do Not Reduce Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in General Surgery Units

To investigate whether maximal sterile barrier precautions (MSBPs) during central venous catheter (CVC) insertion are truly effective in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in patients in general surgical units. The reported effectiveness of MSBPs was based on the results of a single-center randomized controlled trial by Raad et al and the majority of the patients (99%) in the study were chemotherapy outpatients. Between March 14, 2004 and December 28, 2006, the patients scheduled for CVC insertion in surgical units at 9 medical centers in Japan were randomly assigned to either an MSBP group (n = 211) or a standard sterile barrier precaution (SSBP) group (n = 213). This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (registration ID number: UMIN000001400). The median (range) duration of catheterization was 14 days (0-92 days) in the MSBP group and 14 days (0-112 days) in the SSBP group. There were 5 cases (2.4%) of CRBSI in the MSBP group and 6 cases (2.8%) in the SSBP group (relative risk, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-2.7; P = 0.77). The rate of CRBSIs per 1000 catheter days was 1.5 in the MSBP group and 1.6 in the SSBP group. There were 8 cases (3.8%) of catheter-related infections in the MSBP group and 7 cases (3.3%) in the SSBP group (relative risk, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-3.1; P = 0.78). The rate of catheter-related infection per 1000 catheter days was 2.4 in the MSBP group and 1.9 in the SSBP group. This study is larger in sample size than the one performed by Raad et al and could not demonstrate better prevention of CRBSIs by MSBP compared with SSBP. A large randomized controlled trial or at least a meta-analysis of any other studies in the literature is necessary to reach to a conclusion on this issue.

Infectious risk associated with arterial catheters compared with central venous catheters*

Scheduled replacement of central venous catheters and, by extension, arterial catheters, is not recommended because the daily risk of catheter-related infection is considered constant over time after the first catheter days. Arterial catheters are considered at lower risk for catheter-related infection than central venous catheters in the absence of conclusive evidence. To compare the daily risk and risk factors for colonization and catheter-related infection between arterial catheters and central venous catheters. We used data from a trial of seven intensive care units evaluating different dressing change intervals and a chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge. We determined the daily hazard rate and identified risk factors for colonization using a marginal Cox model for clustered data. We included 3532 catheters and 27,541 catheter-days. Colonization rates did not differ between arterial catheters and central venous catheters (7.9% [11.4/1000 catheter-days] and 9.6% [11.1/1000 catheter-days], respectively). Arterial catheter and central venous catheter catheter-related infection rates were 0.68% (1.0/1000 catheter-days) and 0.94% (1.09/1000 catheter-days), respectively. The daily hazard rate for colonization increased steadily over time for arterial catheters (p = .008) but remained stable for central venous catheters. Independent risk factors for arterial catheter colonization were respiratory failure and femoral insertion. Independent risk factors for central venous catheter colonization were trauma or absence of septic shock at intensive care unit admission, femoral or jugular insertion, and absence of antibiotic treatment at central venous catheter insertion. The risks of colonization and catheter-related infection did not differ between arterial catheters and central venous catheters, indicating that arterial catheter use should receive the same precautions as central venous catheter use. The daily risk was constant over time for central venous catheter after the fifth catheter day but increased significantly over time after the seventh day for arterial catheters. Randomized studies are needed to investigate the impact of scheduled arterial catheter replacement.

Nephrology literature watch

Nephrology literature watch

Prevention of central venous catheter-related infection: update

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are an essential part of modern-day healthcare, but infections associated with these devices continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. There are many approaches for the prevention of CVC-related infection and these are outlined in national guidelines. The Department of Health Saving Lives campaign has developed a care-bundle for the prevention of CVC-related infections that focuses on the fundamental actions to be undertaken during the catheter insertion process and ongoing care. If the rate of catheter-related infection remains high despite the implementation of these infection prevention strategies, the use of novel antimicrobial technologies and practices may be considered. These include CVCs that contain antimicrobial agents, such as antiseptics or antibiotics, needleless intravenous (IV) access devices coated with silver and/or chlorhexidine, IV dressings incorporating chlorhexidine, and the use of antimicrobial catheter lock solutions, such as antibiotics, chelators or ethanol. This article outlines the different types of CVCs available, the risk of infection associated with their use and established and novel measures for prevention of these infections.

Higher arterial catheter-related infection rates in femoral than in dorsalis pedis access

Although there are many studies on arterial catheter-related infection (ACRI) there is little information on the relative risks associated with different catheter access sites. In previous studies we have shown a higher incidence of ACRI in femoral than in radial access sites. This prospective observational study was designed to compare the incidence of ACRI in patients on an intensive care unit with femoral versus dorsalis pedis access sites. We compared 1085 femoral arterial catheters inserted for a cumulative 6497 days with 174 dorsalis pedis catheters inserted for a cumulative 1050 days. We detected 33 cases of ACRI in the femoral access group (11 with bacteraemia and 22 with line site infection; 5.08 infections per 1000 catheter-days) but none in the dorsalis pedis access group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex, Acute Physiological Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, diagnosis, previous arterial catheter insertion, use of mechanical ventilation, use of antimicrobials or catheter duration. Regression analysis showed a higher incidence of ACRI for femoral than for dorsalis pedis access sites (odds ratio: 7.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.37-infinite; P=0.01). These results suggest that dorsalis pedis arterial access should be used in preference to femoral arterial access in order to reduce the risk of ACRI.

Targeted surveillance on nosocomial infection in ICU

Objective To analyze the slate and risks of nosocomial infection and establish an effective control of nosocomial infection through developing the targeted surveiUanee.Motheds From Jan to Dec 2007,nosocomial infection was monitored among the patients in a comprehensive ICU.Results 563 eases were selected as the supervision targets,99 patient-times with nosocomial infection were found out and the incidence of infection casetimes was 17.58% with a daily incidence of 34.93‰ and an adjusted daily incidence of 8.71‰.The rate of ventilator associated pneumonia was 35.17‰ occupying 67.68% of the total number of the hospital infection in the ICU.Over the same time,the rate of catheter-related blood stream infections was 2.6‰ and that of catheter associated urinary tract infections was 1.08‰.Conclutions Nosocomial infection rate in a comprehensive ICU could be decreased through targeted surveillance by surveying the infection risk factors and developing effective control especially the using of respirator. Key words: ICU; Targeted Surveillance; Nosocomial infection

Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Sponges and Less Frequent Dressing Changes for Prevention of Catheter-Related Infections in Critically Ill Adults

Use of a chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated sponge (CHGIS) in intravascular catheter dressings may reduce catheter-related infections (CRIs). Changing catheter dressings every 3 days may be more frequent than necessary. To assess superiority of CHGIS dressings regarding the rate of major CRIs (clinical sepsis with or without bloodstream infection) and noninferiority (less than 3% colonization-rate increase) of 7-day vs 3-day dressing changes. Assessor-blind, 2 x 2 factorial, randomized controlled trial conducted from December 2006 through June 2008 and recruiting patients from 7 intensive care units in 3 university and 2 general hospitals in France. Patients were adults (>18 years) expected to require an arterial catheter, central-vein catheter, or both inserted for 48 hours or longer. Use of CHGIS vs standard dressings (controls). Scheduled change of unsoiled adherent dressings every 3 vs every 7 days, with immediate change of any soiled or leaking dressings. Major CRIs for comparison of CHGIS vs control dressings; colonization rate for comparison of 3- vs 7-day dressing changes. Of 2095 eligible patients, 1636 (3778 catheters, 28,931 catheter-days) could be evaluated. The median duration of catheter insertion was 6 (interquartile range [IQR], 4-10) days. There was no interaction between the interventions. Use of CHGIS dressings decreased the rates of major CRIs (10/1953 [0.5%], 0.6 per 1000 catheter-days vs 19/1825 [1.1%], 1.4 per 1000 catheter-days; hazard ratio [HR], 0.39 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.17-0.93]; P = .03) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (6/1953 catheters, 0.40 per 1000 catheter-days vs 17/1825 catheters, 1.3 per 1000 catheter-days; HR, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.09-0.65]). Use of CHGIS dressings was not associated with greater resistance of bacteria in skin samples at catheter removal. Severe CHGIS-associated contact dermatitis occurred in 8 patients (5.3 per 1000 catheters). Use of CHGIS dressings prevented 1 major CRI per 117 catheters. Catheter colonization rates were 142 of 1657 catheters (7.8%) in the 3-day group (10.4 per 1000 catheter-days) and 168 of 1828 catheters (8.6%) in the 7-day group (11.0 per 1000 catheter-days), a mean absolute difference of 0.8% (95% CI, -1.78% to 2.15%) (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.77-1.28), indicating noninferiority of 7-day changes. The median number of dressing changes per catheter was 4 (IQR, 3-6) in the 3-day group and 3 (IQR, 2-5) in the 7-day group (P < .001). Use of CHGIS dressings with intravascular catheters in the intensive care unit reduced risk of infection even when background infection rates were low. Reducing the frequency of changing unsoiled adherent dressings from every 3 days to every 7 days modestly reduces the total number of dressing changes and appears safe. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00417235.

Successful Prevention of Cuffed Hemodialysis Catheter-Related Infection Using an Antibiotic Lock Technique by Strictly Catheter-Restricted Antibiotic Lock Solution Method

Background: Catheter-related infection (CRI) is associated with increased all-cause mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients and may be reduced by using antimicrobial lock solutions. But the safety of long-term use of antimicrobial lock still needs to be defined. Methods: Patients with a new inserted permanent tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheter were randomly assigned to an antibiotic lock solution of gentamicin (4 mg/ml) heparin (G group) or heparin alone (H group). Results: A total of 140 patients were enrolled in this study. CRI rates were 0.06/1,000 catheter-days for the G group versus 0.67 in the H group (p = 0.014). The risk of CRI was 10.54 higher in patients with a heparin-alone locked catheter (p = 0.025) than that with gentamicin. The serum-measured gentamicin levels were very low. Conclusions: Gentamicin lock solution reduces CRI and improves catheter survival rates in hemodialysis patients. It is relatively safe in strictly catheter-restricted antibiotic lock solution therapy.

Selecting Optimal Hemodialysis Catheters: Material, Design, Advanced Features, and Preferences

Hemodialysis catheters are a necessary evil. They provide an immediate and effective lifeline for hemodialysis patients, and their use is steadily increasing. This increasingly important role has lead to the development of many generations of dialysis catheters. Some aspects of novel designs have shown potential to reduce complications, while others provide options for physician insertion preference. The two major biomaterials for catheter construction are currently polyurethane and silicone, while copolymers such as carbothane are becoming more widespread. Catheter coatings such as heparin, antibiotics, and silver ion are designed to minimize thrombosis and infection. Finally, many lumen and tip designs are also available. These new features were designed to address common problems, including maintenance of adequate flow rate and prevention of thrombosis, fibrin sheath, and catheter-related infection. However, reliable data directly comparing these different designs and coatings are currently lacking. This communication reviews current hemodialysis catheters, including materials, design, and advanced features.

O.108 A registry for comparing catheter-related infection rates with and without antibiotic impregnated catheters after ventriculo-peritoneal shunts for hydrocephalus

O.108 A registry for comparing catheter-related infection rates with and without antibiotic impregnated catheters after ventriculo-peritoneal shunts for hydrocephalus

Central venous catheter-related infections in hematology and oncology

Catheter-related infections (CRI) cause considerable morbidity in hospitalized patients. The incidence does not seem to be higher in neutropenic patients than in nonneutropenic patients. Gram-positive bacteria (coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus) are the pathogens most frequently cultured, followed by Candida species. Positive blood cultures are the cornerstone in the diagnosis of CRIs, while local signs of infection are not necessarily present. Blood cultures should be taken from peripheral blood and from the venous catheter. A shorter time to positivity of catheter blood cultures as compared with peripheral blood cultures supports the diagnosis of a CRI. In many cases, a definite diagnosis requires catheter removal and microbiological analysis. The role plate method with semiquantitative cultures has been established as standard in most laboratories. Antimicrobial treatment of CRI should be directed by the in vitro susceptibility of the isolated pathogen. Primary removal of the catheter is mandatory in S. aureus and Candida infections, as well as in case of tunnel or pocket infections. Future studies will elucidate whether the rate of CRI in neutropenic patients may be reduced by catheters impregnated with antimicrobial agents.

Use of an ethanol lock to prevent catheter-related infections in children with short bowel syndrome

Background Children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) requiring central venous catheters (CVCs) may experience frequent catheter-related infections (CRIs). Treatment strategies include antibiotic- and ethanol-containing locks, with CVC removal if the CRI cannot be cleared. Ethanol lock therapy has been reported for CRI treatment in children but not for CRI prevention. Methods Medical records of children with SBS receiving cycled home parenteral nutrition via a silicone CVC and who received a daily 70% ethanol lock at some time during their therapy were reviewed retrospectively. Main Results Ten patients had 26 CVCs for a total of 3556 catheter-days and received a daily ethanol lock for 4 to 14 hours during a total of 3018 catheter-days. Before ethanol lock therapy (n = 5), there were 6 CRIs in 538 catheter-days (rate, 11.15 per 1000 catheter-days). During ethanol lock therapy in the same 5 patients, the CRI rate decreased to 2.06 per 1000 catheter-days (4 CRIs in 1936 catheter-days). In the 5 patients with no ethanol lock-free period, the CRI rate was 1.85 per 1000 catheter-days. Overall, CRI rate with ethanol lock therapy was 1.99 per 1000 catheter-days (2 CRIs in 1081 catheter-days). Four patients developed 6 CRIs during ethanol lock therapy. Four of these CRIs were cleared with systemic anti-infective and ethanol lock therapy; 2 CVCs were removed owing to infection. No adverse reactions were reported during ethanol instillation. Conclusion A daily 70% ethanol lock for CRI prevention was safe and effective in a series of 10 patients with SBS.

A Meta-analysis of Hemodialysis Catheter Locking Solutions in the Prevention of Catheter-Related Infection

Catheter-related infection (CRI) is associated with increased all-cause mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients and may be reduced by using antimicrobial lock solutions (ALSs). We performed a meta-analysis of studies identified from a search conducted in February 2007 of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, databases of ongoing trials, major renal journals, and reference lists of relevant reports. Patients receiving acute or long-term hemodialysis through a tunneled or nontunneled central venous catheter. We included all prospective randomized studies that compared ALS with heparin. Administration of antibiotic and/or antimicrobial catheter locking solution. Primary outcome was CRI rate in patients using ALSs compared with those using heparin alone. We also examined effects of ALS use on mortality, adverse events, and catheter thrombosis. 7 studies were identified with a total of 624 patients and 819 catheters (448 tunneled, 371 nontunneled). CRI was 7.72 (95% confidence interval, 5.11 to 10.33) times less likely when using ALS. There were no consistent suggestions of adverse outcomes with ALS use; in particular, rates of catheter thrombosis did not increase. There was no evidence of antibiotic resistance developing during a maximum follow-up of 12 months. The major limitation of this review is the relatively short duration of follow-up of the included studies, which does not allow complete reassurance regarding the development of antibiotic resistance. Lack of direct comparisons means that determination of the most efficient ALS is not possible. This review confirms that antibiotic locking solutions reduce the frequency of CRI without significant side effects.

Central Venous Catheterization: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are extensively used worldwide. Mechanical, infectious and thrombotic complications are well described with their use and may be associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased medical costs and mortality. CVCs account for an estimated 90% of all catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and a host of risk factors for CVC-related infections have been documented. The duration of use of CVCs remains controversial and the length of time such devices can safely be left in place has not been fully and objectively addressed in the critically ill patient. Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters have been introduced in an attempt to limit catheter-related infection (CRI) and increase the time that CVCs can safely be left in situ. Recent meta-analyses concluded that antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs appear to be effective in reducing CRI. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study at Johannesburg Hospital over a 4-year period. The study entailed a comparison of standard triple-lumen versus antimicrobial impregnated CVCs on the rate of CRI. Our aim was to determine whether we could safely increase the duration of catheter insertion time from our standard practice of seven days to 14 days, to assess the influence of the antimicrobial impregnated catheter on the incidence of CRI, and to elucidate the epidemiology and risks of CRI. One hundred and eighteen critically ill patients were included in the study which spanned 34 951.5 catheter hours (3.99 catheter years). It was found that antimicrobial catheters did not provide any significant benefit over standard catheters, which the authors feel can safely be left in place for up to 14 days with appropriate infection control measures. The most common source of CRI was the skin. The administration of parenteral nutrition and the site of catheter insertion (internal jugular vein vs subclavian vein) were not noted to be risk factors for CRI. There was no clinical evidence of thrombotic complication in either of the study groups. This study offers direction for the use of CVCs in critically ill patients and addresses many of the controversies that exist.

Effect of Education on the Rate of and the Understanding of Risk Factors for Intravascular Catheter–Related Infections

Intravascular catheters are indispensable tools in modern medical therapy. In spite of their great benefits, however, the widespread use of catheters leads to several complications, including infections that cause significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses for hospitalized patients. This study was conducted at Farabi Hospital, a 495-bed facility at Karadeniz Technical University Medical School in Trabzon, Turkey, and involved 3 separate periods: preeducation, education, and posteducation. Patients with intravascular catheters were monitored daily, as were the results of their physical examinations. The information acquired was recorded in a questionnaire. During the preeducation period (October 2003 through March 2004), 405 intravascular catheters inserted into 241 patients were observed for 5,445 catheter-days. Seventy-one cases of intravascular catheter-related infection (CRI) were identified, giving a CRI rate of 13.04 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. The catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rate was 8.3 infections per 1,000 catheter-days, and the exit-site infection (ESI) rate was 3.5 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. During the posteducation period (June through November 2004), 365 intravascular catheters inserted into 193 patients were observed for 5,940 catheter-days. Forty-five cases of CRI were identified, giving a rate of 7.6 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. The CRBSI rate was 4.7 infections per 1,000 catheter-days, and the ESI rate was 2.2 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. When findings from the 2 periods were compared, it was determined that education reduced CRI incidence by 41.7%. CRI can be prevented when hospital personnel are well informed about these infections. We compared the knowledge levels of the relevant personnel in our hospital before and after theoretical and practical training and identified a significant increase in knowledge after training (P<.0001). Parallel to this, although still below ideal levels, we identified a significant improvement in the incidence of CRI during the posteducation period (P=.004). The rate was low for the first 3 months of this period but increased 2.08 times after the third month. In conclusion, regular training for the residents in charge of inserting intravascular catheters and the nurses and interns who maintain the catheters is highly effective in reducing the rate of CRI in large teaching hospitals.

Measuring Clinical Information Technology in the ICU Setting: Application in a Quality Improvement Collaborative

ObjectiveFew instruments are available to measure the performance of intensive care unit (ICU) clinical information systems. Our objectives were: 1) to develop a survey-based metric that assesses the automation and usability of an ICU’s clinical information system; 2) to determine whether higher scores on this instrument correlate with improved outcomes in a multi-institution quality improvement collaborative. DesignThis is a cross-sectional study of the medical directors of 19 Michigan ICUs participating in a state-wide quality improvement collaborative designed to reduce the rate of catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI). Respondents completed a survey assessing their ICU’s information systems. MeasurementsThe mean of 54 summed items on this instrument yields the clinical information technology (CIT) index, a global measure of the ICU’s information system performance on a 100 point scale. The dependent variable in this study was the rate of CRBSI after the implementation of several evidence-based recommendations. A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the CIT score and the post-intervention CRBSI rates after adjustment for the pre-intervention rate. ResultsIn this cross-sectional analysis, we found that a 10 point increase in the CIT score is associated with 4.6 fewer catheter related infections per 1,000 central line days for ICUs who participate in the quality improvement intervention for 1 year (95% CI: 1.0 to 8.0). ConclusionsThis study presents a new instrument to examine ICU information system effectiveness. The results suggest that the presence of more sophisticated information systems was associated with greater reductions in the bloodstream infection rate.