Use of in-line filters in pediatric intravenous therapy.
This study arose from a need to justify the extensive use of in-line intravenous filters in an Australian pediatric teaching hospital. The incidence of septicemia was observed for two 12-month periods before and after the withdrawal of in-line i.v. filters from patients with central venous access devices. A total of 19,221 i.v. days were monitored in 88 children in two 1-year periods. No significant differences were found in the incidence of septicemia between the children who had filters fitted and those who did not. As a result, the routine fitting of filters to i.v. lines infusing fluids filtered during manufacture under a laminar flow has been discontinued with significant cost savings.
Newall
F
F
Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia.
Ranson
K
K
Robertson
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D017053:Infection Control; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control