Catheter Tip Colonization Research Articles

Treatment of positive catheter tip culture without bloodstream infections in critically ill patients. A case-cohort study from the OUTCOMEREA network

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the impact on subsequent infections and mortality of an adequate antimicrobial therapy within 48 h after catheter removal in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with positive catheter tip culture.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 29 centers of the OUTCOMEREA network. We developed a propensity score (PS) for adequate antimicrobial treatment, based on expert opinion of 45 attending physicians. We conducted a 1:1 case-cohort study matched on the PS score of being adequately treated. A PS-matched subdistribution hazard model was used for detecting subsequent infections and a PS-matched Cox model was used to evaluate the impact of antibiotic therapy on mortality.ResultsWe included 427 patients with a catheter tip culture positive with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. We matched 150 patients with an adequate antimicrobial therapy with 150 controls. In the matched population, 30 (10%) subsequent infections were observed and 62 patients died within 30 days. Using subdistribution hazard models, the daily risk to develop subsequent infection up to Day-30 was similar between treated and non-treated groups (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.89, p = 0.78). Using Cox proportional hazard models, the 30-day mortality risk was similar between treated and non-treated groups (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.45–1.74, p = 0.73).ConclusionsAntimicrobial therapy was not associated with decreased risk of subsequent infection or death in short-term catheter tip colonization in critically ill patients. Antibiotics may be unnecessary for positive catheter tip cultures.

Cutaneous and catheter tip colonization in a Sub-Saharan intensive care unit

Cutaneous and catheter tip colonization in a Sub-Saharan intensive care unit

Adding vortexing to the Maki technique provides no benefit for the diagnosis of catheter colonization or catheter-related bacteremia.

A previous study compared vortexing and Maki techniques for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), and concluded that vortexing was not superior to Maki method. To determine whether the combined use of vortexing and Maki techniques provides profitability versus the Maki technique for the diagnosis of catheter tip colonization (CTC) and CRBSI. Observational and prospective study carried out in an Intensive Care Unit. Patients with suspected catheter-related infection (CRI) and with one central venous catheter for at least 7 days were included. The area under the curve (AUC) of the Maki technique, the vortexing technique and the combination of both techniques for the diagnosis of CTC and CRBSI were compared. We included 136 episodes of suspected CRI. We found 21 cases of CTC of which 10 were also CRBSI cases. Of the 21 CTC episodes, 18 (85.7%) were diagnosed by Maki technique and vortexing technique, 3 (14.3%) only by the technique of Maki, and none only by technique of vortexing. Of the 10 CRBSI episodes, 9 (90.0%) were diagnosed by the techniques of Maki and vortexing, 1 (10.0%) was diagnosed only by the technique of Maki, and none only by the technique of vortexing. We no found differences in the comparison of AUC between the technique of Maki and the combination of Maki and vortexing techniques for the diagnosis of CTC (P = 0.99) and CRBSI (P = 0.99). The novel finding of our study was that the combined use of vortexing and Maki techniques did not provide profitability to the technique of Maki alone to CRBSI diagnosis of.

Impact of an interventional bundle on complications associated with peripheral venous catheters in elderly patients.

Elderly patients admitted to geriatrics departments often require peripheral venous catheters (PVC), which should be inserted and maintained following a series of preventive recommendations. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a training bundle comprising measures aimed at reducing complications associated with the use of PVC in elderly patients admitted to a tertiary teaching hospital. We performed a prospective study of patients who received a PVC within 24h of admission to a geriatrics department. After a 10-month pre-interventional period, we implemented an educational and interventional bundle over a 9-month period. Follow-up was until catheter withdrawal. We analyzed and compared clinical and microbiological data between both study periods. A total of 344 patients (475 PVC) were included (pre-intervention period, 204 patients (285 PVC); post-intervention period, 140 patients (190 PVC)). No statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics were observed between the study periods. The colonization and phlebitis rates per 1000 admissions in both periods were, respectively, 36.7 vs. 24.3 (p = 0.198) and 81.5 vs. 65.1 (p = 0.457). The main reason for catheter withdrawal was obstruction/malfunctioning (33.3%). Obstruction rate was higher for those inserted in the hand than for those inserted at other sites (55.7% vs. 44.3%, p = 0.045). We found no statistically significant differences regarding phlebitis and catheter tip colonization rates. It is necessary to carry out randomized studies assessing the most cost-effective measure to reduce complications associated with PVC.

2423. Central venous catheter tip colonization and associated bloodstream infection in severe burn patients

Abstract Background Because severe burn patients are at higher risk for catheter-related infections, routine changes of central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly performed for them. However, there are limited information on pathogen colonization of the CVC tip and associated bloodstream infections (BSI) in burn patients. Methods In this study, medical records of severe burn patients, in whom routine CVC changes were performed every 7 days, were retrospectively reviewed. The results of CVC tip cultures and concurrently performed blood cultures were investigated. Results A total of 686 CVCs in 214 severe burn patients admitted to the burn intensive care unit were analyzed. A median of 2 CVCs (range: 1–15 CVCs) were inserted in each patient, and each CVC was maintained for a median of 8 days (range: 2–24 days). The median duration of catheterization was 17 days (range: 4–117 days). Of the 686 CVCs, 138 (20.1%) CVC tips were colonized by 150 pathogens (two pathogens in 12 CVCs), and 82 (59.4%) of them accompanied BSIs caused by the same pathogen. Non-flame burn (p < 0.001), higher total body surface area burn (p < 0.001), renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001), and femoral catheter (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the development of catheter-related BSI in a multivariate analysis. Most cases of tip colonization (81.3%) and BSI (82.9%) were caused by Gram-negative bacteria: Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were most frequently identified. Conclusion Catheter-related BSI was accompanied in 12.0% of the changed CVCs: nine of ten CVCs might not require routine changing. Therefore, selective CVC changing at higher risk for catheter-related BSI seems to be appropriate rather than routine CVC changing in severe burn patients. Also, source control for burn wounds should be emphasized because most common pathogens of burn wound infection caused CVC tip colonization and BSI. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Sustained low catheter related infection (CRI) incidence in an observational follow-up study of 9924 catheters using automated data scripts as quality assurance for central venous catheter (CVC) management

To maintain a low incidence of Catheter Related Infections (CRI) and Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSI), continuous follow-up studies on catheter management are necessary. The aims of the present study were to investigate the incidence of catheter tip colonisation, CRI and CRBSI in the Region, to further explore the feasibility of automatic data collection and to investigate associations between independent variables and CRI. Data from electronic patient charts on all documented central venous catheter (CVC) insertions from multiple hospitals in southern Sweden, between March 2019 and August 2020, were automatically extracted. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify associated risk factors. In total, 9924 CVC insertions were included. The prevalence of CRI and CRBSI were 0.7% (n= 74) and 0.02% (n= 20) with incidences of 1.2/1000 catheter days and 0.3/1000 catheter days, respectively. We found a sustained low incidence of CRI and CRBSI in the Region. Catheter tips were less likely to be colonised when the subclavian route was used compared to the internal jugular route and male sex as well as increased number of catheter lumens were associated with both catheter tip colonisation and CRI. By using automated scripts, data extraction was efficient and feasible but also demonstrated that real-time quality assurance should be recommended, since this is superior to current standard.

Development and validation of a multivariable prediction model of central venous catheter-tip colonization in a cohort of five randomized trials

BackgroundThe majority of central venous catheters (CVC) removed in the ICU are not colonized, including when a catheter-related infection (CRI) is suspected. We developed and validated a predictive score to reduce unnecessary CVC removal.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study from five multicenter randomized controlled trials with systematic catheter-tip culture of consecutive CVCs. Colonization was defined as growth of ≥103 colony-forming units per mL. Risk factors for colonization were identified in the training cohort (CATHEDIA and 3SITES trials; 3899 CVCs of which 575 (15%) were colonized) through multivariable analyses. After internal validation in 500 bootstrapped samples, the CVC-OUT score was computed by attaching points to the robust (> 50% of the bootstraps) risk factors. External validation was performed in the testing cohort (CLEAN, DRESSING2 and ELVIS trials; 6848 CVCs, of which 588 (9%) were colonized).ResultsIn the training cohort, obesity (1 point), diabetes (1 point), type of CVC (dialysis catheter, 1 point), anatomical insertion site (jugular, 4 points; femoral 5 points), rank of the catheter (second or subsequent, 1 point) and catheterization duration (≥ 5 days, 2 points) were significantly and independently associated with colonization . Area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the CVC-OUT score was 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.67–0.72]. In the testing cohort, AUC for the CVC-OUT score was 0.60, 95% CI [0.58–0.62]. Among 1,469 CVCs removed for suspected CRI in the overall population, 1200 (82%) were not colonized. The negative predictive value (NPV) of a CVC-OUT score < 6 points was 94%, 95% CI [93%–95%].ConclusionThe CVC-OUT score had a moderate ability to discriminate catheter-tip colonization, but the high NPV may contribute to reduce unnecessary CVCs removal. Preference of the subclavian site is the strongest and only modifiable risk factor that reduces the likelihood of catheter-tip colonization and consequently the risk of CRI.Clinical Trials Registration: NCT00277888, NCT01479153, NCT01629550, NCT01189682, NCT00875069.

Sonication did not provide reliability to Maki technique for catheter related bloodstream infection diagnosis.

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to analyze sonication and Maki techniques for diagnosis of catheter tip colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) on patients admitted to ICU.Material and methodsObservational and prospective study in one Intensive Care Unit. Patients with some central venous catheter (CVC) at least for 7 days and catheter-related infection (CRI) suspicion (new episode of fever or sepsis) were included. We performed Maki technique followed by sonication of catheter tip. We compared area under the curve (AUC) of Maki, sonication, and techniques combination to diagnosis catheter tip colonization and CRBSI.ResultsWe included 94 CVC from 87 CRI suspicion episodes. We found 14 cases of catheter tip colonization and 10 cases of CRBSI. Of the 14 catheter tip colonization cases, 7 (50.0%) were detected by Maki and sonication techniques, 6 (42.9%) were detected only by Maki technique, and 1 (7.1%) was detected only by sonication technique. Of the 10 CRBSI, 6 (60.0%) were detected by Maki and sonication techniques, 4 (40.0%) were detected only by Maki technique, and any only by sonication technique. We found higher AUC in Maki technique than in sonication technique to diagnosis of CRBSI (p=0.02) and to diagnosis of catheter tip colonization (p=0.03). No significant differences were found in AUC between Maki technique and combination techniques for diagnosis of catheter tip colonization (p=0.32) and of CRBSI (p=0.32).Conclusion.:Sonication did not provide reliability to Maki technique for diagnosis of catheter tip colonization and CRBSI.

Infection related catheter complications in patients undergoing prone positioning for acute respiratory distress syndrome: an exposed/unexposed study

BackgroundProne positioning (PP) is a standard of care for patients with moderate–severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While adverse events associated with PP are well-documented in the literature, research examining the effect of PP on the risk of infectious complications of intravascular catheters is lacking.MethodAll consecutive ARDS patients treated with PP were recruited retrospectively over a two-year period and formed the exposed group. Intensive care unit (ICU) patients during the same period without ARDS for whom PP was not conducted but who had an equivalent disease severity were matched 1:1 to the exposed group based on age, sex, centre, length of ICU stay and SAPS II (unexposed group). Infection-related catheter complications were defined by a composite criterion, including catheter tip colonization or intravascular catheter-related infection.ResultsA total of 101 exposed patients were included in the study. Most had direct ARDS (pneumonia). The median [Q1–Q3] PP session number was 2 [1–4]. These patients were matched with 101 unexposed patients. The mortality rates of the exposed and unexposed groups were 31 and 30%, respectively. The incidence of the composite criterion was 14.2/1000 in the exposed group compared with 8.2/1000 days in the control group (p = 0.09). Multivariate analysis identified PP as a factor related to catheter colonization or infection (p = 0.04).ConclusionOur data suggest that PP is associated with a higher risk of CVC infectious complications.

Obesity and risk of catheter-related infections in the ICU. A post hoc analysis of four large randomized controlled trials.

Obesity increases the risk of nosocomial infection, but data regarding the role of body mass index (BMI) in catheter related infections are scarce. We used the data gathered from four randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and intravascular catheter infections in critically ill obese patients. Adult obese patients who required short-term central venous, arterial or dialysis catheter insertion in the intensive care unit (ICU) were analyzed. The association between BMI and major catheter-related infection (MCRI), catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and catheter tip colonization was estimated using univariate and multivariate marginal Cox models. Exploratory analysis using dressing disruptions was added. A total of 2282 obese patients and 4275 catheters from 32 centers were included in this post-hoc analysis. Overall, 66 (1.5%) MCRI, 43 (1%) CRBSI and 399 (9.3%) catheter colonizations were identified. The hazard ratio (HR) for MCRI, CRBSI and colonization increased with BMI. After adjustment for well-known infection risk factors, the BMI ≥ 40 group had an increased risk for MCRI (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.13-3.12, p = 0.015), CRBSI (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.19-4.04, p = 0.012) and colonization (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.12-1.84, p = 0.0038) compared to the BMI < 40 group. The mean dressing disruption per catheter was increased in the BMI ≥ 40 group (2.03 versus 1.68 in the BMI < 40 group, p = 0.05). Using the largest dataset ever collected from large multicentric RCTs, we showed that patients with BMI ≥ 40 had an increased risk for intravascular catheter infections. Targeted prevention measures should focus on this population with a particular attention to catheter care and dressing disruption.

Prevalence of central line associated blood stream infection (CRBSI) and catheter colonization in ICU settings of a tertiary care hospital in sub Himalayan region

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill hospitalized patients mainly in ICU settings. Emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria makes it compulsory to know the current sensitivity profile of the organism against antimicrobial agents. Objective: To isolate the etiological agents responsible for CRBSI and to find out the spectrum of antimicrobial sensitivity of isolated organisms. Material and Methods: A total of 180 suspected cases of CRBSI were included in the study in which 44 (24.44%) cases were positive for catheter tip colonization. Further isolation was done using standard laboratory procedures. Result: Out of a total of 180 suspected cases of CRBSI 44 cases were found to be positive for catheter tip colonization after which they were divided into two groups 4 (2.2%) had CRBSI while 40 (22.22%) had local catheter infections. Conclusion: Catheter colonization and duration of catheterization has an important role in development of CRBSI which may lead to septicaemia and multi-organ failure. CRBSI must be suspected in the catheterized patient having sign and symptoms of septicaemia.

Umbilical Venous Catheters and Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Are They Equally Safe in VLBW Infants? A Non-Randomized Single Center Study.

Background and Objective: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and umbilical venous catheters (UVC) are frequently used for vascular access in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). While there is a significant need for these devices for critically ill neonates, there are many complications associated with their use. We aimed at investigating the incidence of UVC and PICC complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study performed with neonates of the tertiary General Hospital of Piraeus, Greece, during an 18 month-period. Seventy-one neonates were recruited and divided into two groups: 34 neonates with PICC and 37 neonates with UVC. We recorded: Catheter dwell time, the causes of catheter removal, other complications, infections, and catheter tip colonization rates. Results: No significant statistical differences were noticed between the 2 study groups with regards to demographic characteristics, causes for catheter removal, catheter indwelling time or the incidence of nosocomial infection. Eleven UVC tips and no PICC tips were proved colonized (p = 0.001) following catheter removal. Conclusions: The incidence of complications associated with the use of UVCs and PICCs in VLBW infants did not significantly differ in our study. Their use seems to be equally safe. Further studies, with larger samples, are necessary to confirm our results.

Chlorhexidine-impregnated gel dressing compared with transparent polyurethane dressing in the prevention of catheter-related infections in critically ill adult patients: A pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIn patients with short-term percutaneous central venous catheter (CVC), it is recommended that a dressing be applied to the catheter insertion site to prevent catheter-related infections. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing with that of polyurethane dressing in the prevention of catheter-related infections in critically ill adult patients with short-term percutaneous CVC. MethodsOne hundred fifteen patients with a CVC were randomised to chlorhexidine-impregnated gel dressing (chlorhexidine gel group) or transparent polyurethane dressing (polyurethane group) between April and December 2014. Feasibility outcomes included data on eligibility, recruitment, missing data, and protocol violation. The primary outcome measure of efficacy was the presence of colonisation with the same microorganism in both the skin swab around catheter insertion site and the catheter tip. ResultsOf 526 patients assessed for eligibility, 411 (78%) did not meet inclusion criteria, and 115 (22%) were randomised. Among participants of both groups, there were 14 missing primary outcomes of which 10 were due to failure to collect the catheter tip (a protocol violation). The final sample had 47 and 54 individuals in the chlorhexidine and polyurethane groups, respectively. Skin and catheter tip were colonised by the same microorganism for 13% of the participants in the chlorhexidine group and 8% in the polyurethane group, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.51). There were no differences between the two groups for catheter tip colonisation, skin site colonisation, catheter insertion site infection, catheter-related bloodstream infection, skin irritation, and the number of unplanned dressing changes. ConclusionsOur preliminary results found that a large randomised controlled trial would be feasible. This study provides valuable information that can be used to design more robust studies to prevent infection among patients with short-term percutaneous CVC when using either chlorhexidine or polyurethane dressing.

Comparison of the efficacy of three topical antiseptic solutions for the prevention of catheter colonization: a multicenter randomized controlled study

BackgroundTo compare the efficacy of three antiseptic solutions [0.5%, and 1.0% alcohol/chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and 10% aqueous povidone-iodine (PVI)] for the prevention of intravascular catheter colonization, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in patients from 16 intensive care units in Japan.MethodsAdult patients undergoing central venous or arterial catheter insertions were randomized to have one of three antiseptic solutions applied during catheter insertion and dressing changes. The primary endpoint was the incidence of catheter colonization, and the secondary endpoint was the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI).ResultsOf 1132 catheters randomized, 796 (70%) were included in the full analysis set. Catheter-tip colonization incidence was 3.7, 3.9, and 10.5 events per 1000 catheter-days in 0.5% CHG, 1% CHG, and PVI groups, respectively (p = 0.03). Pairwise comparisons of catheter colonization between groups showed a significantly higher catheter colonization risk in the PVI group (0.5% CHG vs. PVI: hazard ratio, HR 0.33 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.12–0.95], p = 0.04; 1.0% CHG vs. PVI: HR 0.35 [95% CI 0.13–0.93], p = 0.04). Sensitivity analyses including all patients by multiple imputations showed consistent quantitative conclusions (0.5% CHG vs. PVI: HR 0.34, p = 0.03; 1.0% CHG vs. PVI: HR 0.35, p = 0.04). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of CRBSI between groups.ConclusionsBoth 0.5% and 1.0% alcohol CHG are superior to 10% aqueous PVI for the prevention of intravascular catheter colonization.Trial registrationJapanese Primary Registries Network; No.: UMIN000008725 Registered on 1 September 2012

Microbial profile and risk factors of central venous catheter associated blood stream infections in Tertiary Care Hospital, Amritsar

Introduction: Central venous catheter (CVC) related blood stream infections are associated with serious infectious complications resulting in significant morbidity, increased duration of hospitalization and added medical cost. Aim: The study was done to determine the incidence of central venous catheter related infections, their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern, biofilm production and associated risk factors in hospitalized patients. Material and Method: Catheter tip culture & blood cultures of 143 patients with indwelling central venous catheters were processed. Result: Out of 143 specimens, catheter tip colonization was observed in 45 samples, while 14 were both catheter tip as well as blood culture positive hence included ascatheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI). CRBSI was found significantly associated with increased duration of catheterization, increased number of attempts and placement of CVC in internal jugular vein. Most common isolated organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aerguinosa in CRBSI as well as in CVC colonization. Majority of them were resistant to Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftiazidime and Ceftrixone. Biofilm production was determined by tissue culture plate method and was found to be maximum seen in Klebsiella spp. Conclusion: Incidence of CRBSI was 9.79% and of CVC colonization was 34.26%. Rate of CRBSI was 8.53 per 1000 CVC days. Klebsiella pneumoniae was most common isolate and predominant biofilm producer and was found to be multidrug resistant to Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftiazidime.

Vascular catheter colonization: surveillance based on culture of needleless connectors.

BackgroundSuperficial culture has a high negative predictive value in the assessment of catheter tip colonization (CC) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (C-RBSI). However, the process of hub culture requires the hubs to be swabbed, and this carries a risk of dislodging the biofilm. At present, most catheter hubs are closed by needleless connectors (NCs) that are periodically replaced. Our objective was to compare the yield of SC (skin + hub culture) with that of skin + NC culture in the assessment of CC and C-RBSI.MethodsDuring 5 months, we included the patients on the Major Heart Surgery ICU when a central venous catheter (CVC) remained in place ≥7 days after insertion. SCs were taken simultaneously when the NC was withdrawn and processed by the semi-quantitative method, even when the catheter was not removed. All catheter tips were cultured. All NCs belonging to a single catheter lumen were individually flushed with 100 μl of brain-heart infusion (BHI) broth. We considered the lumen to be colonized when ≥1 NC culture from the lumen flush was positive. We collected a total of 60 catheters.ResultsThe overall CC rate was 15.0 %, and we confirmed two episodes of C-RBSI. The validity values after the comparison of SCs with skin + NC culture for prediction of CC were the following: sensitivity 66.7 % vs. 77.8 %, and negative predictive value 93.6 % vs. 93.1 %. The sensitivity and negative predictive value for prediction of C-RBSI was 100 % for both SC and skin + NC culture.ConclusionThe combination of skin and flushed NC culture can be an alternative to conventional SC for ruling out CC and C-RBSI.

Sonicating multi-lumen sliced catheter tips after the roll-plate technique improves the detection of catheter colonization in adults

The Maki technique is the standard method for detecting catheter tip (CT) colonization. However, some “multi-lumen” catheters finish in a vaulted fornix and end at different distances from the CT. Therefore, we compared the traditional Maki technique with the sonication method using several cross-cut fragments of the CT. Our objective was to assess the yield of the Maki technique followed by sonication in the detection of adult CT colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (C-RBSI). For 3months, we prospectively performed CT cultures of polyurethane catheters from adult patients admitted to our institution. First, we performed CT culture using the Maki technique on blood agar plates and then sonicated small fragments of CTs in 5ml of BHI followed by culture of 100μl of the sonicate. We included a total of 252 CVCs, with overall colonization and C-RBSI rates of 14.3% (36/252) and 5.9% (15/252). Of the 36 colonized CVCs, 21 (58.3%) were detected both by Maki and sonication, 6 (16.7%) were detected only by Maki technique, and 9 (25.0%) only by sonication method. Among 15 episodes with concomitant bacteremia, both techniques were positive and concordant in 9 cases (60.0%), the result of the Maki was positive in only 1 (6.7%), and sonication in 5 (33.3%).Our study shows that both techniques are complementary. We recommend sonicating fragments of the CT from patients with bacteremia of unknown origin and a negative CT culture by the Maki technique.

Assessment of central venous catheter colonization using surveillance culture of withdrawn connectors and insertion site skin.

BackgroundCulture of catheter hubs and skin surrounding the catheter entry site has a negative predictive value for catheter tip colonization. However, manipulation of the hub for culture requires the hubs to be swabbed, introducing potential dislodging of biofilm and subsequent migration of microorganisms. Hubs are usually closed with needleless connectors (NCs), which are replaced regularly. Our objective was to evaluate whether culture of flushed withdrawn NCs is an alternative to hub culture when investigating central venous catheter colonization.MethodsThe study population comprised 49 intensive care unit patients whose central venous catheters had been in place for at least 7 days. Cultures of NCs and skin were obtained weekly.ResultsWe included 82 catheters with more than 7 days’ indwelling time. The catheter tip colonization rate was 18.3 % (15/82). Analysis of skin and NC cultures revealed a 92.5 % negative predictive value for catheter colonization. Three episodes of catheter-related bloodstream infection (C-RBSI) occurred in patients with colonized catheters.ConclusionSurveillance of NC and skin cultures could help to identify patients at risk for C-RBSI.

Dressings and securement devices for central venous catheters (CVC).

Central venous catheters (CVCs) play a vital role in the management of acute and chronic illness. Dressings and securement devices must ensure CVCs do not dislodge or fall out, provide a barrier protection from microbial colonisation and infection, and be comfortable for the patient. There is a large range of dressing and securement products available for clinicians to use. To compare the available dressing and securement devices for CVCs, in terms of catheter-related bloodstream infection (BSI), catheter colonisation, entry- and exit-site infection, skin colonisation, skin irritation, failed catheter securement, dressing condition and mortality. In June 2015 we searched: The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE); NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHSEED); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; EBSCO CINAHL; six clinical trial registries and reference lists of identified trials. There were no restrictions based on language or date of publication or study setting. We included randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effects of dressing and securement devices for CVCs. All types of CVCs were included, i.e. short- and long-term CVCs, tunnelled and non-tunnelled, port-a-caths, haemodialysis catheters, and peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICCs). We used standard Cochrane Collaboration methods including independent review of titles and abstracts for relevance, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of the included studies by two review authors. Results are expressed using risk ratio (RR) for categorical data with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For outcomes best presented as a rate-per-time-period, rate ratios and standard errors have been used. We performed multiple treatment meta-analyses to rank the effectiveness of each intervention for each outcome. We included 22 studies involving 7436 participants comparing nine different types of securement device or dressing. All included studies were at unclear or high risk of performance bias due to the different appearances of the dressings and securement devices. The extent of blinding of outcome assessment was unclear in most studies. The quality of evidence varied between different comparisons and outcomes. We mainly downgraded the quality of evidence for imprecision, indirectness, risk of bias and inconsistency.It is unclear whether there is a difference in the rate of catheter-related BSI between securement with gauze and tape and standard polyurethane (SPU) (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.63, low quality evidence), or between chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated (CGI) dressings and SPU (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.05, moderate quality evidence). There is high quality evidence that medication-impregnated dressings reduce the incidence of catheter-related BSI relative to all other dressing types (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.93).There is moderate quality evidence that CGI dressings reduce the frequency of catheter-related BSI per 1000 patient days compared with SPU dressings (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.78).There is moderate quality evidence that catheter tip colonisation is reduced with CGI dressings compared with SPU dressings (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.73), but the relative effects of gauze and tape and SPU are unclear (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.77, very low quality evidence). It is unclear if there is a difference in rates of skin irritation or damage when CGI dressings are compared with SPU dressings (moderate quality evidence) (RR 11.17, 95% CI 0.84 to 149.48).A multiple treatment meta-analysis found sutureless securement devices as likely to be the most effective at reducing the incidence of catheter-related BSI (low quality evidence), with CGI dressings ranked second (low quality evidence). Medication-impregnated dressing products reduce the incidence of catheter-related BSI relative to all other dressing types. There is some evidence that CGI dressings, relative to SPU dressings, reduce catheter-related BSI for the outcomes of frequency of infection per 1000 patient days, risk of catheter tip colonisation and possibly risk of catheter-related BSI. A multiple treatment meta-analysis found that sutureless securement devices are likely to be the most effective at reducing catheter-related BSI though this is low quality evidence. Most studies were conducted in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. More, high quality research is needed regarding the relative effects of dressing and securement products for CVCs. Future research may adjust the estimates of effect for the products included in this review and is needed to assess the effectiveness of new products.

Effectiveness of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings in reducing CLABSI – A prospective study conducted at a level-1 trauma centre

In patients with short-term percutaneous central venous catheter (CVC), it is recommended that a dressing be applied to the catheter insertion site to prevent catheter-related infections.The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing with that of polyurethane dressing in the prevention of catheter-related infections in critically ill adult patients with short-term percutaneous CVC.One hundred fifteen patients with a CVC were randomised to chlorhexidine-impregnated gel dressing (chlorhexidine gel group) or transparent polyurethane dressing (polyurethane group) between April and December 2014. Feasibility outcomes included data on eligibility, recruitment, missing data, and protocol violation. The primary outcome measure of efficacy was the presence of colonisation with the same microorganism in both the skin swab around catheter insertion site and the catheter tip.Of 526 patients assessed for eligibility, 411 (78%) did not meet inclusion criteria, and 115 (22%) were randomised. Among participants of both groups, there were 14 missing primary outcomes of which 10 were due to failure to collect the catheter tip (a protocol violation). The final sample had 47 and 54 individuals in the chlorhexidine and polyurethane groups, respectively. Skin and catheter tip were colonised by the same microorganism for 13% of the participants in the chlorhexidine group and 8% in the polyurethane group, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.51). There were no differences between the two groups for catheter tip colonisation, skin site colonisation, catheter insertion site infection, catheter-related bloodstream infection, skin irritation, and the number of unplanned dressing changes.Our preliminary results found that a large randomised controlled trial would be feasible. This study provides valuable information that can be used to design more robust studies to prevent infection among patients with short-term percutaneous CVC when using either chlorhexidine or polyurethane dressing.