title: Infectious complications associated with temporary epidural catheters.
abstract: To identify cases of deep-tissue or local infection associated with temporary epidural catheters, we reviewed medical records from 1980 through 1992 and prospectively followed up patients with temporary epidural catheters from January 1993 through June 1993 who were hospitalized at a large, tertiary referral hospital. We identified seven cases of temporary epidural catheter-associated infection, including three cases of deep-tissue infection (paraspinal muscle abscess, epidural abscess, and meningitis) and four cases of local infection. The infections were diagnosed 2 days to 22 days following insertion of the epidural catheter. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in four (57%) of the cases. All seven patients were treated with removal of the catheter and antimicrobial therapy; three patients also required surgical drainage for management of deep-tissue infection. Our findings emphasize the importance of daily inspection and prompt removal of temporary epidural catheters if infection is suspected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Pegues
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Hopkins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004824:Epidural Space; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies