[Catheter infection in intensive care: influence of systematic replacement of central venous catheters on a guide wire every 4 days].
OBJECTIVE
Determine whether systematic replacement of central venous catheters on a guide wire every 4 days leads to a lower rate of catheter infection.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective randomized study comparing systematic catheter replacement with the standard procedure where one-way catheters are left in situ as needed.


RESULTS
The study included 150 patients and 170 catheters. Catheter replacement on a guide wire was performed 169 times. The rate of infection was not significantly different between the group of patients with replacement (3.7 for 1000 catheter days) and the group with systematic replacement (5.4 for 1000 catheter days). No mechanical complications occurred during the replacement procedures on guide wires.


CONCLUSIONS
We do not recommend systematically replacing catheters on a guide wire for the prevention of catheter infection. This procedure may however be indicated in case of suspected catheter infection as no mechanical of infectious complications occurred.
Berthelot
P
P
Service des Maladies infectieuses, Hôpital de Bellevue, CHU de Saint-Etienne.
Zeni
F
F
Pain
P
P
Berthier
S
S
Aubert
G
G
Venet
C
C
Gery
P
P
Lucht
F
F
Bertrand
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
Infections sur cathéters en réanimation: influence de l'échange systématique sur guide métallique tous les 4 jours de voies veineuses centrales.