Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections Episodes Research Articles

Evaluating the Adequacy of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection As a Quality Measure: A Cross-Sectional Analysis at a Single Tertiary Care Center.

The current definition of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) may overestimate the true incidence of CLABSI as it is often unclear whether the bloodstream infection (BSI) is secondary to the central line or due to another infectious source. We aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of central CLABSI at our institution, to identify opportunities for improvement, appropriately direct efforts for infection reduction, and identify gaps in the CLABSI definition and its application as a quality measure. Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients identified to have a CLABSI in the period 2018-2022 cared for at the value-based purchasing (VBP) units of a 1200-bed tertiary care hospital located in Cleveland, OH. Each CLABSI episode was assessed for relationship with central venous catheter (CVC), suspected secondary source of BSI, mortality associated with the CLABSI hospital encounter, and availability of infectious disease physician or primary physician documentation of infectious source. CLABSI episodes were classified as CVC related, CVC unrelated, and CVC relationship unclear. Mortality during the same encounter as the CLABSI event was assessed as an outcome measure. Descriptive statistics were performed. A total of 340 CLABSI episodes occurred in adult patients in VBP units. Majority of the CLABSI, 77.5% (266), occurred in the ICU. Of the CLABSI analyzed, 31.5% (107) were classified as unrelated to the CVC; 25.0% (85) had an unclear source; 43% (148) were classified as CVC related. For CVC-related cases, Staphylococcus and Candida were the predominant organisms. For the CVC unrelated and unclear groups Enterococcus was most prevalent. The mortality rate was lowest among patients classified with a CVC-related BSI. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CLABSI definition to predict a true CVC-related infection was found to be 58.0%. The definition of CLABSI as a surrogate for catheter-related BSI is inadequate, with a PPV of 58.0% (43.1-67.6%). Efforts should be redirected toward revising the CLABSI definition and possibly reevaluating its criteria. Resources should be assigned to further investigate and systematically prevent BSIs from secondary sources while adhering to existing CLABSI prevention bundles.

A retrospective examination of risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infections in home parenteral nutrition patients from a Queensland tertiary hospital.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a potential complication for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients. We sought to analyse risk factors of developing HPN-related CLABSI and assess CLABSI management in the Australian context. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on 34 adult patients receiving HPN via a central venous catheter (CVC) at a Queensland tertiary referral centre between 2016 and 2023. Patient charts were reviewed, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was employed to determine associations between characteristics and time to CLABSI in the first CVC using Peto-Peto Prentice test. A total of 39 CLABSI episodes occurred in 19 patients. Patients with ≥1 CLABSI used regular opioids more than those without CLABSI (P = 0.016). Fourteen (41%, n = 14/34) patients developed a CLABSI in their first CVC. No patient or line characteristics were found to be predictive of CLABSI in their first CVC. The CLABSI rate was 1.02/1000 catheter days. Most CLABSIs were caused by Enterobacterales (22%, n = 12/55) and Candida sp. (22%, n = 12/55). Empiric antimicrobial therapy was adequate in only 25% (n = 7/28), and the median time to effective antibiotic therapy was 22.7 h (interquartile range 4.8-29.8). There were three successful CVC salvages (8%, n = 3/39). In this cohort of patients, regular opioid use was associated with increased risk of developing CLABSI. Based on our findings, an empiric antimicrobial regime of vancomycin, cefepime and caspofungin will provide adequate coverage for most HPN-related CLABSIs in Australian IF units with a similar antimicrobial distribution and resistance pattern.

Targeting prolonged short-term central venous catheters to reduce hospital-wide catheter days and CLABSI rates

The risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is associated with central venous catheter (CVC) dwelling time. We implemented a hospital-wide intervention aimed to alert physicians to CVC duration and necessity and to improve the monitoring of CLABSI prevention process measures outside the intensive care unit (ICU). A retrospective, before-after study that evaluated short-term, nonhemodialysis CVCs in and out of the ICU. The intervention included enhanced bundle-prevention measures monitoring and staff "sensitization" regarding prolonged (>7 days) CVCs (pCVCs). The ICU intervention also included daily CVC-stewardship visits. We assessed CVC utilizations and CLABSI episodes 20 months before to 19 months after the intervention using Mann-Whitney tests. Out of the ICU, CVC-utilization ratio (CVC-UR) and pCVC-UR reduced significantly (4.1-2.7/100 hospital days, P=.005; and 28%-21%,P=.02, respectively). Bundle-prevention measures improved, and CLABSI rates reduced postintervention (7.9-3.6/1,000 CVC days, P=.03). In the ICU, pCVC-UR reduced significantly (29%-15%, P<.0001). Baseline ICU-CLABSI rates were low and did not reduce postintervention. Sensitizing physicians to the existence and duration of CVCs accompanied by improved bundle-prevention measures, resulted in reduction of pCVCs, and outside the ICU, also in reduction of CVC-UR and CLABSI rates.

Vascular rehabilitation in children with chronic intestinal failure reduces the risk of central-line associated bloodstream infections and catheter replacements

Background & AimsChildren with chronic intestinal failure (IF) require a long-term central venous catheter (CVC) for provision of parenteral nutrition. Vascular, mechanical and infectious complications such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) may lead to progressive loss of venous access sites. Handling and management of CVCs therefore play an important role. Our vascular rehabilitation concept (VRC) is a core component of our intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP) and consists of an education program, optimization of skin care, catheter fixation and lock solution, and the use of hybrid technique for catheter placement.Aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of our VRC on CLABSI rates and need for CVC replacements. MethodsRetrospective analysis of all children treated in our IRP that were followed up between 2018 and 2023. ResultsA total of 117 children with chronic IF could be included for analysis of 248864 catheter days (CD). 91 patients were referred from other hospitals (127117 CD before and 89359 CD after entry into our IRP). Children receiving primary care at our IRP (32388 CD) showed a significantly lower CLABSI and line replacement rate than patients referred from external centers (p<0.001). After entering our IRP, CLABSI rates and need for CVC replacements per 1000 CD decreased significantly in referred patients: 1.17 to 0.26 and 1.75 to 0.59, respectively (p<0.001). ConclusionManagement of paediatric chronic IF patients by an IRP with a vascular rehabilitation concept significantly lowers the rate of CLABSI episodes and the need for catheter replacements.

DdPCR enables rapid detection of bloodstream infections in patients on home parenteral nutrition: A prospective cohort study

IntroductionChronic intestinal failure patients (CIF) require a central venous access device (CVAD) to administer parenteral nutrition. Most serious complication related to a CVAD is a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). The golden standard to diagnose a CLABSI are blood cultures, however, they may require 1–5 days before getting a result. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the detection of pathogen 16S/28S rRNA is a novel culture-independent molecular technique that has been developed to enhance and expedite infection diagnostics within two and a half hours. In this study, we prospectively compared ddPCR with blood cultures to detect pathogens in whole blood. MethodsWe included adult CIF patients with a clinical suspicion of CLABSI in this prospective single-blinded clinical study. Blood cultures were routinely collected and subsequently two central samples from the CVAD and two peripheral samples from a peripheral venous access point. Primary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR. ResultsIn total, 75 patients with 126 suspected CLABSI episodes were included, with 80 blood samples from the CVAD and 114 from peripheral veins. The central ddPCR samples showed a sensitivity of 91% (95%CI 77–98), and specificity of 96% (95%CI 85–99). Peripheral ddPCR samples had a sensitivity of 63% (95%CI 46–77) and specificity of 99% (95%CI 93–100). ConclusionddPCR showed a high sensitivity and specificity relative to blood cultures and enables rapid pathogen detection and characterization. Clinical studies should explore if integrated ddPCR and blood culture outcomes enables a more rapid pathogen guided CLABSI treatment and enhancing patient outcomes.

Central-line-associated bloodstream infection burden among Dutch neonatal intensive care units

The establishment of an epidemiological overview provides valuable insights needed for the (future) dissemination of infection-prevention initiatives. To describe the nationwide epidemiology of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Data from 2935 neonates born at <32 weeks' gestation and/or with a birth weight <1500g admitted to all nine Dutch NICUs over a two-year surveillance period (2019-2020) were analysed. Variations in baseline characteristics, CLABSI incidence per 1000 central-line days, pathogen distribution and CLABSI care bundles were evaluated. Multi-variable logistic mixed-modelling was used to identify significant predictors for CLABSI. A total of 1699 (58%) neonates received a central line, in which 160 CLABSI episodes were recorded. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common infecting organisms of all CLABSI episodes (N=100, 63%). An almost six-fold difference in the CLABSI incidence between participating units was found (2.91-16.14 per 1000 line-days). Logistic mixed-modelling revealed longer central line dwell-time (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):1.08, P<0.001), umbilical lines (aOR:1.85, P=0.03) and single rooms (aOR:3.63, P=0.02) to be significant predictors of CLABSI. Variations in bundle elements included intravenous tubing care and antibiotic prophylaxis. CLABSI remains a common problem in preterm infants in The Netherlands, with substantial variation in incidence between centres. Being the largest collection of data on the burden of neonatal CLABSI in The Netherlands, this epidemiological overview provides a solid foundation for the development of a collaborative platform for continuous surveillance, ideally leading to refinement of national evidence-based guidelines. Future efforts should focus on ensuring availability and extraction of routine patient data in aggregated formats.

1680. Characterization of Ethanol Lock Use and Line Infections in Pediatric Patients with Intestinal Failure Requiring Central Venous Access

Abstract Background Pediatric patients with intestinal failure often require central venous line access for administration of parenteral nutrition and/or fluids, which leads to increased risk for central line associated-bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been used to reduce the risk of CLABSI in this patient population, but recent significant increases in the price of ethanol have prompted healthcare systems to explore cost-saving measures such as decreasing ELT frequency from daily to thrice weekly (TIW) or using antibiotic lock therapy as an alternative to ELT. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence and microbiology of CLABSI in pediatric patients with intestinal failure who received different lock therapies. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, descriptive study that included pediatric patients who were followed by the Michigan Medicine Children’s Intestinal Rehabilitation Program between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022. Data were collected via the electronic health record. Incidence of CLABSI and microbiology were compared based on the type of lock therapy patients received (daily ELT, TIW ELT, or no ELT). Results A total of 46 patients were analyzed in this study, including 13 on daily ELT, 23 on TIW ELT, and 10 on no ELT. During the study period, 69% (9/13) of patients on daily ELT, 35% (8/23) of patients on TIW ELT, and 60% (6/10) of patients on no ELT had at least one CLABSI (for comparison between daily and TIW ELT, p = 0.0819). Of 75 episodes of CLABSI identified during the study period, the most commonly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 33), S. aureus (n = 19), S. hominis (n = 17), and Escherichia coli (n = 8). Almost half (44%, 33/75) of CLABSI reported were polymicrobial (see Table 1 for comparison of microbiology by type of lock therapy).Table 1:Number of monomicrobial vs. polymicrobial CLABSI by Gram stain results and type of lock therapy. Conclusion There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CLABSI between pediatric patients with intestinal failure who received TIW ELT and those who received either daily ELT or no ELT. TIW ELT appears to be an effective and cost-efficient option compared to daily ELT in this patient population. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Epidemiologic and microbiologic evaluation of catheter-line bloodstream infection in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant center

Children who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) transplants are at high risk of developing central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The present study aimed to identify possible risk factors for mortality by analyzing the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients diagnosed with CLABSI in our pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit. The initial CLABSI episodes of 102 children were analyzed. Medical records of the patients were evaluated by preformed standardized surveys. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for mortality. Thirty-five patients (34.3%) were female. The median age was 48 months (3-204). The median time to onset of CLABSI was 19 days (4-150). The gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria ratio among the causative agents was 57.8% to 34.3%. The mortality rate was 12.6%. The presence of severe neutropenia, initiation of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, the presence of hypotension, persistent bacteremia, pediatric intensive care unit admission, growth of carbapenemase-positive gram-negative microorganism and multidrug-resistant bacteria were significantly high in the mortality group when compared to survivors. The presence of hypotension, inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, and persistent bacteremia were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. Rational use of antibiotics, active surveillance and screening of patients together with improved infection control practices may reduce the incidence and the consequences of CLABSIs.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections at the multidisciplinary intensive care unit of Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Background Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are frequently encountered device-related healthcare-associated infections in critically ill patients, causing substantial morbidity, mortality and prolonged hospitalisation. Objectives To determine the incidence of CLABSI, median catheter dwell-time prior to developing CLABSI, as well as the causative microorganisms of CLABSI among patients admitted to the multidisciplinary intensive care unit (MICU) at Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of medical and laboratory records of all MICU patients who had a central line placed between January and December 2018. Results A total of 377 patients were admitted to the MICU in 2018, of which 182 met the inclusion criteria for the present study. From the cohort of 182 patients, 16.5% (n=30) of patients presented with 32 CLABSI episodes, with two patients having had two independent episodes each. A total of 1 215 central line days were recorded, yielding a CLABSI rate of 26.3/1 000-line days. Laboratory analysis identified microorganisms in 38 blood cultures, with Gram-negative organisms (55.3%; n=21) being predominant over Gram-positive organisms (39.5%; n=15) and fungi (5.3%; n=2). Conclusion The incidence of CLABSI at the MICU at Universitas Academic Hospital is high. Urgent intervention with strict compliance to prevention bundles is required to reduce the high incidence of CLABSI.

Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections and Effectiveness of Care Bundle Approach: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Insertion and maintenance of Central Venous Catheters (CVC) are integral components for the supportive care of critically ill neonates. Their use is often associated with the unavoidable risk of acquiring Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) like Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) especially in resource limited public sector Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Adopting a care bundle approach to decrease CLABSI rates in such NICUs still remains a challenge. Aim: To determine the baseline CLABSI rate, identify the risk factors associated with it and also to determine the effectiveness of care bundle approach in decreasing CLABSI. Materials and Methods: An analytical prospective cohort study was conducted in Cheluvamba Hospital, attached to Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru, Karnataka, India, from June 2018 to June 2020. In the preintervention phase (June 2018 to May 2019), the data of 307 neonates in whom Central Line (CL) was inserted were analysed to determine the baseline CLABSI rate and risk factors. CLABSI bundle involves a group of evidence-based practices which when implemented reliably and consistently have shown to significantly reduce CLABSI rates. CLABSI bundle was implemented in June 2019 and in the postintervention phase (July 2019 to June 2020), the data of 283 neonates were analysed and compared to those in the preintervention group in order to assess the effectiveness of the care bundle approach. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables whereas a two sample t-test was used to compare continuous variables. Results: A total of 41 CLABSI episodes were documented in the preintervention phase (Group 1) as compared to 12 in the postintervention phase (Group 2). Mean birth weight and gestational age was significantly lower in neonates with CLABSI as compared to neonates without CLABSI in both the groups. The incidence of CLABSI was significantly higher in neonates with a catheter dwell time of more than eight days and in those who received Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Implementation of the CLABSI bundle resulted in the reduction of the baseline CLABSI rate from 16.25 to 8.3/1000 CL days; a significant reduction in the catheter dwell time and duration of NICU stay was also noted in group 2. Duration of NICU stay and death rate among neonates who developed CLABSI did not differ significantly between both the groups. Conclusion: Despite incorporating the care bundle approach, CLABSI rate remained to be high. Very preterm neonates with birth weight of &lt;1500 grams and NICU stay of more than 25 days were more likely to develop CLABSI. Significant reduction in CLABSI rates can be achieved with widespread implementation of the CLABSI bundle in resource limited NICUs across India.

Inequities in CLABSI Rates in a Children’s Hospital by Race, Ethnicity, and Language Preference

Background: Systemic racism results in health inequities based on patient race, ethnicity, and language preference. Whether these inequities exist in pediatric central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) is unknown. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with central lines hospitalized from October 2012 to June 2019 at our tertiary-care children’s hospital. Self-reported race, ethnicity, language preference, demographic, and clinical factors were extracted from the electronic health record. The primary outcome was non–mucosal barrier injury (non-MBI) CLABSI episodes as defined by the NHSN. CLABSI rates between groups were compared using χ2 tests and Cox proportional hazard regression. We adjusted for care unit, age, immunosuppressed status, diapered status, central-line type, line insertion within 7 days, daily CLABSI maintenance bundle compliance, number of blood draws and IV medication doses, and need for total parental nutrition, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and renal replacement therapy. In mid-2019, we engaged stakeholders in each care unit to describe preliminary findings and to identify and address potential drivers of observed inequities. Results: We included 337 non-MBI CLABSI events over 230,699 central-line days (CLDs). The overall non-MBI CLABSI rate during the study period was 1.46 per 1,000 CLDs. Unadjusted CLABSI rates for black or African American (henceforth, “black”), Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and Asian (the 4 largest race or ethnicity groups by CLDs) patients were 2.74, 1.53, 1.42, 1.24 per 1,000 CLDs, respectively (P &lt; .001) (Table 1). Unadjusted CLABSI rates for patients with limited-English proficiency (LEP) and English-language preference were 1.98 and 1.38 per 1,000 CLDs, respectively (P = .014). After adjusting for covariates, the hazard ratio (HR) point estimate for CLABSI rate remained higher for black patients (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.99–2.28) and patients with LEP (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.87–2.05), compared to the reference group based on largest CLD. The differences in CLABSI rate by race or ethnicity and language were more pronounced in 2 of our 6 care units. Stakeholder engagement and analysis of hospital data revealed opportunities on those units for improved (1) interpreter utilization and (2) line maintenance observation practices by race/ethnicity and language preference (data not shown). These findings and CLABSI rates over time by race/ethnicity and language preference (Figures 1 and 2) were shared with frontline staff. Conclusions: In our children’s hospital, CLABSI rates differed based on patients’ self-reported race, ethnicity, and language preference, despite controlling for factors commonly associated with CLABSI. Identifying inequities in CLABSI rates and mitigating their determinants are both essential to the goal of achieving equitable care.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Low Risk of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients.

Central venous lines (CVLs) are essential for standard care of pediatric hematology/oncology patients providing safe administration of cytotoxic drugs and pain-free blood sampling. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) cause significant morbidity. This study describes the epidemiology, microbiology, and risk factors for CLABSI in all children with malignancies in Iceland. All children that were diagnosed with malignancy in Iceland and received a CVL during 2008-2017 were included in the study. Characteristics of CVLs and patients were registered, information on risk factors, and microbiology was collected. International standards were used for CLABSI definition. One hundred forty-three CVLs were placed in 94 children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common underlying disease (31/94). Median age was 7 years. Implantable ports were the most commonly placed CVLs (82/143, 57%), tunneled lines were 39 (27%). Overall CLABSI rate was 0.24 infections/1000 line-days (14 episodes in 58,830 line-days), with little fluctuations. No CLABSI episodes occurred for 4 consecutive years (2012-2015). Staphylococci (of which 7 Staphylococcus aureus) were the cause of 10/14 episodes. Nine CLABSI episodes led to line removal, but no deaths were linked to CLABSIs. We report very low CLABSI rates over a 9-year period at our hospital, with 4 consecutive CLABSI-free years. Even with the addition of episodes of possible CLABSI, rates were still very low and lower than most published reports.

High Rates of Central Venous Line Replacement or Revision in Children With Cancer at US Children's Hospitals.

Most children with cancer utilize a central venous line (CVL) for treatment. Complications often necessitate early replacement, revision, or addition (RRA), but the rate of these procedures is not known. This study sought to determine rates of RRA in pediatric oncology patients, and associated risk factors. Data queried from the Pediatric Health Information System including patients ≤18 years old with malignancy and CVL placement. Analysis included: first CVL placement of the calendar year and subsequent procedures for 6 months thereafter. A total of 6553 children met inclusion criteria (55.9% male, median age 6 years, interquartile range: 2 to 12). RRA within 6 months was required in 25.6% of patients, with 1.7% requiring 5 or more lines. Patients with Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) were 2.78 times more likely to require RRA within 6 months of initial CVL placement, but accounted for only 16% of RRA patients. Factors associated with RRA were age below 1 year, CLABSI, hematologic malignancy, malnutrition, clotting disorder, deep vessel thromboembolism, and obesity. Patients with implantable ports as initial CVL (42%) were less likely to need RRA. Twenty-five percent require at least 1 RRA within 6 months, with associated morbidity and costs. Though strongly associated, most revisions were not related to CLABSI episodes.

Vascular Access in Children to Prevent and Treat Infectious Diseases.

* Abbreviations: CLABSI — : central line–associated bloodstream infection CVAD — : central venous access device miniMAGIC — : Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters in pediatrics PICC — : peripherally inserted central catheter PN — : parenteral nutrition PIVC — : peripheral intravenous catheter Although central venous access devices (CVADs) have become essential for the delivery of modern pediatric care, they are associated with serious, even life-threatening, complications. The most common serious complication is central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), in which bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream through the lumen or the exit site of the CVAD. Approximately 10% of pediatric CLABSI episodes are associated with severe sepsis, causing organ damage or dysfunction that requires ICU-level care or results in death.1 An estimated 50% of children with CLABSI have persistent or recurrent infections that require catheter removal or replacement.1,2 In addition to the direct clinical impact, CLABSI adds to the expense of pediatric care, with each episode costing ∼$55 000 in the United States.3 The guidelines/recommendations in this article are not American Academy of Pediatrics policy, and publication herein does not imply endorsement. Clinicians face complex decisions when balancing risks and benefits of venous access devices, such as the benefit … Address correspondence to Joshua Wolf, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, Department of Infectious Diseases, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mailstop 320, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN. E-mail: joshua.wolf{at}stjude.org

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein may reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection in preterm infants.

The objective of this study was to assess the risk of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) of ultrasound (US)-guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) compared to standard epicutaneous cava catheters (ECCs) in preterm infants. This was a retrospective cohort study in preterm infants with a birth weight of less than 1500 g. Each BCV catheter was matched 1:3 with ECCs according to sex, birth weight, and year of insertion. The main outcome was the CLABSI density rate per 1000 days. Secondary outcomes included CLABSI episodes, CLABSI episodes per infant, and CLABSI/death. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess whether the type of catheter (ECC vs. BCV) was associated with CLABSI risk. Ninety-six catheters (21 BCVs and 75 ECCs) in 79 infants were included (993 catheter days). BCV catheters were associated with a reduced CLABSI density rate compared to ECCs (3.05/1000 days vs 21.1/1000 days; p < 0.001). ECCs were associated with increased CLABSI risk compared to BCV catheters in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 36; (95% CI, 2.5–511); p = 0.008).Conclusion: US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the BCV was associated with a reduced risk of CLABSI compared to ECCs. This finding deserves further multicenter research.What is Known:• An epicutaneous-cava catheter (ECC) is commonly used in preterm infants for routine care (eg. delivery of nutrition and antibiotics) but this device may not suffice in infants who need high-intensity care (multiple drugs, hemodynamic monitoring, fluid resuscitation etc.).• Ultrasound-guided brachiocephalic vein (BCV) catheterization has shown a high success rate and few immediate complications in neonates and small infants but it has never been compared to standard ECCs.What is New:• When the operator in properly trained, US guided cannulation of the BCV in preterm infants is feasible, safe and may reduce the risk of CLABSI compared to standard ECCs.• This fact may expand the use of BCV catheters in selected high-risk preterm infants who need a large bore venous access.

Routine scrubbing reduced central line associated bloodstream infection in NICU

BackgroundThe main aim of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of routine scrubbing by change of the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). MethodsWe surveyed cultures from the NICU environment in December 2017. We found that areas close to infants harbored more bacteria. We implemented routine scrubbing to control sites with the most bacteria starting from January 2018. We retrospectively reviewed and compared the data between the pre (2017) and post (2018) intervention periods. ResultsA total of 916 infants were included; 10 CLABSI episodes were identified, 9 and 1 episodes in the pre- and postintervention periods, respectively. We found that the incidence of CLABSI decreased significantly among all admitted infants (P = .006) and also among very low birth weight infants (P = .085). The number of CLABSI cases per 1,000 central line days decreased from 1.89 in 2017 to 0.23 in 2018 (P = .018). The most common bacterial species found in the cultures established from the NICU environment were identical to the CLABSI-causing coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. ConclusionsRoutine scrubbing significantly reduced CLABSI in the NICU.

Central Venous Catheter Management in High-risk Children With Bloodstream Infections.

National guidelines recommend removal of central venous catheters (CVCs) for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungi. Data regarding guideline compliance and rates of associated treatment failures in pediatric patients with attempted CVC salvage are limited. We performed a retrospective analysis of high-risk children (age ≤ 21 years) hospitalized from 1/2009 to 12/2015 with a long-term CVC and CLABSI due to S. aureus, Pseudomonas spp., and Candida spp. Enterococcus spp. was included given differing management recommendations between short and long-term CVCs. Compliance with national guideline recommendations, as well as treatment failures including infection relapse, recurrence, and death were evaluated in relation to CVC retention or removal. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to account for confounders impacting treatment failure. Fifty-three children had 108 CLABSI episodes requiring 84 hospitalizations. CVCs were removed in 36 (33%) CLABSI episodes per guideline recommendations. Optimal antimicrobial management, including targeted agent and adequate duration was provided in 54 (50%) of 106 treated episodes; no significant difference in treatment failure rates were noted compared with episodes with suboptimal management. The treatment failure rate was significantly higher in patients with CVC retention compared those with CVC removal within 7 days of the first positive blood culture (31% vs. 6%, P = 0.003). Despite pathogen-specific guideline recommendations for CVC removal, compliance with national guidelines was poor. CVC salvage was attempted in the majority of CLABSI episodes in our cohort and resulted in a significantly higher treatment failure rate.

Chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing does not decrease central line-associated bloodstream infection in critically ill patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundCentral line‐associated blood stream infections are accompanied by increased mortality and health care costs. The application of different types of dressings in infection control has not been fully investigated to date.AimTo assess the effects of two different dressing types on central line‐associated bloodstream infections.MethodsA randomized, nonblinded, controlled trial was conducted. Central lines were randomly allocated to intervention (chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing, n = 259) and control groups (standard dressing, n = 215). The central line‐associated bloodstream infection rate was assessed.ResultsA statistically nonsignificant difference was noted in the overall central line‐associated bloodstream infection rates between the two groups. The frequency of dressing changes in the patients with the chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing was significantly lower than that in the patients with a standard dressing. The predominant type of infectious microorganisms isolated from the central line‐associated bloodstream infection episodes was Gram‐negative bacteria (57.2%). Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi were noted at lower percentages (28.5% and 14.3%, respectively).ConclusionThe use of a chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing does not decrease the central line‐associated bloodstream infection rate, although it decreases the frequency of dressing changes so may save nursing time.

The Incidence, Aetiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Intensive Care Unit Patients at a Private Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai, India

AbstractBackground: There is a need to generate accurate data on temporal trends in incidence rates, aetiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the Indian setting. Aim: To study the incidence, aetiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of CLABSI in adult, paediatric and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in a tertiary care private hospital in Mumbai, India. Materials and Methods:This is a prospective observational study conducted at the adult, paediatric and NICUs of tertiary care private hospital from 2011 to 2018. CLABSI was defined as per the Centers for Disease Control criteria. Surveillance of CLABSI in the intensive care units (ICUs) was conducted using a form adapted from the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium surveillance system. The incidence rates of CLABSI (per 1000 central line days), crude mortality, aetiology and antimicrobial susceptibility were calculated and reported. Results: Six hundred and eighty-six episodes of CLABSI were recorded, and the overall incidence of CLABSI was 5/1000 catheter days, 4.1 in the adult ICU, 5 in the paediatric ICU and 9 in the newborn ICU. Crude mortality in patients with CLABSI in the adult, paediatric and NICUs was 45%, 30% and 7%, respectively. Of the 752 isolates, 80% were Gram negative, 10% Gram positive and 10% yeast. The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers was 80%, and rates of carbapenem resistance were on an average 50%. Conclusions: The CLABSI rates at a well-equipped tertiary care hospital are still significantly higher than the USA benchmarks. Alarming rates of drug resistance in Gram-negative pathogens were seen.

A hospital-wide reduction in central line–associated bloodstream infections through systematic quality improvement initiative and multidisciplinary teamwork

Few data are available on hospital-wide incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates in patients with central venous catheter (CVC) in China, where many systemic obstacles holding back evidence-based guidelines implementation exist. This study was conducted prospectively in 2 phases. The baseline and intervention phases were performed in a teaching hospital in China, between January 2017 and October 2018. A systematic quality improvement (SQI) and multidisciplinary teamwork (MDT) CLABSI infection control program was introduced in the intervention phase. In the intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICUs, CLABSIs were continuously monitored, data collected, then analyzed. After intervention, the CLABSI rate decreased from 2.84-0.56 per 1,000 CVC days in ICUs (P < .001), and from 0.82-0.47 per 1,000 CVC days in non-ICUs (P = .003). The length of time until CLABSI occurrence increased from 8.72-13.60 days in ICUs (P = .046), and from 10.00-12.00 days in non-ICUs (P = .048). The number of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from CLABSI episodes decreased both in ICUs and in non-ICUs. The SQI and MDT CLABSI infection control program is effective in reducing hospital-wide CLABSI in patients with CVC, both in ICUs and in non-ICUs.