[Prevention of infections caused by intravascular catheters--a review of the literature].
OBJECTIVE
The literature on catheter-related infections was reviewed to discuss appropriate strategies for the prevention of infections related to intravenous catheters.


METHODS
The data bases Medline, Biosis and Embase (publication years 1988 to June 1993) were used to retrieve all articles with the key words catheter and infection. Papers covering infections related to intravenous catheters were included. Furthermore, landmark articles from previous years were selected. Only a selected number of articles was listed in the References.


RESULTS
Most authors stress the importance of strict aseptic precautions in the management of intravenous lines and the need for dedicated, specialized care of intravascular devices. Quantitative culture of catheter segments and molecular subtyping of microorganisms provide new insights into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of catheter-related infections and enable the evaluation of preventive measures. Technological advances in manufacturing catheter polymers with anti-infective properties will facilitate a reduction in the incidence of catheter-related infections to a greater extent than with any other methods used to date.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of catheter-related infections is based on the care of these devices according to strict hygienic standards. In the near future, modification of plastic polymers with anti-infective properties will allow for a further reduction in these infections.
Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, BRD.
A
A
Bach
J
J
Motsch
D001207:Asepsis; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials
Prävention von Infektionen durch intravasale Katheter--Eine Literaturrecherche.