title: Central line perforation associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis infection.
abstract: We present detailed case reviews of four very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in whom central venous silastic catheter perforation was associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis. The diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma presented by the intracavitary fluid collections occurring in all four of these cases proved to be of clinical interest. Additionally, we propose a model that may account for the etiology of catheter displacement--localized phlebitis as a result of S epidermidis infection with resultant extralumenal migration of the central venous catheter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics (Neonatal/Surgical Sections), Memorial Miller Children's Hospital, Long Beach, CA 90801.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bansal
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Strauss
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gyepes
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kanchanapoom
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis