title: The potential for contamination of continuous epidural catheters.
abstract: In cultures from 102 patients undergoing continuous epidural catheterization, 22 catheters were found to be contaminated. No statistically significant correlation could be established between the contaminated catheters and the parameters monitored. A worrisome trend of contamination seemed to be developing in association with hospital-prepared epidural trays as well as the procedure of vaginal delivery. Hypotheses for these observations together with current prophylactic measures are discussed. One significant clinical infection occurred; a brief report of this patient is included.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology*