title: [Increased risk of bacterial colonization of intravenous catheters covered with transparent adhesive polyurethane bandages, compared to classical gauze bandages].
abstract: While transparent polyurethane dressings are increasingly used for the care of intravenous catheters, concern has recently been expressed regarding their microbiological safety. We have therefore compared the rate of intravenous catheter bacterial colonization after randomly assigning intensive care patients to transparent polyurethane (n = 21) or dry gauze (n = 20) dressings. Polyvinyl chloride catheters were inserted and maintained by the nurses. No antiseptic or antibiotic ointment was used. The two groups of patients were similar regarding risk factors for catheter colonization. Colonization rate was 48% (10/21) among patients with transparent dressings versus 10% (2/20) among patients with dry gauze dressings (p = 0.008). Colonizing bacterial species were Staphylococcus epidermidis (11 strains) and S. aureus (1 strain). No catheter-related bacteremia was observed. These data suggest that the colonization rate of intravenous catheters is increased by the use of polyurethane dressings, possibly increasing the risk of septic phlebitis and bacteremia.
authors.affiliation: Hôpital le Samaritain, Vevey.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Meylan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D001458:Bandages; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012307:Risk Factors; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013784:Textiles
chemical_list: D011140:Polyurethanes
vernacular_title: Risque accru de colonisation bactérienne des cathéters intraveineux recouverts de pansements transparents adhésifs en polyuréthane, comparé aux pansements classiques en gaze.