Efficacy of a benzalkonium chloride-impregnated central venous catheter to prevent catheter-associated infection in cancer patients.
BACKGROUND
This study was performed to determine the efficacy of a benzalkonium chloride-impregnated central venous catheter (CVC) in preventing catheter-related infection in patients suffering from malignant diseases and undergoing chemotherapy.


METHODS
A randomized, prospective clinical trial was carried out to compare the incidence of catheter-related colonization and catheter-related bacteremia using an antiseptic-impregnated CVC (n = 25) with that using a standard triple-lumen CVC (n = 25).


RESULTS
All patients were treated with intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia (n = 28), lymphoma (n = 17) or solid tumors (n = 5). Both study groups presented with similar data in regards to age, insertion site, duration of catheterization and neutropenia period during catheterization, demonstrating a comparable risk for catheter-related colonization. Suspicion of infection led to explantation in 14 versus 15 cases. Catheter-related colonization was proven in 4 cases (16%) and catheter-related bacteremia was observed only once (4%) in both groups. Statistical testing showed no significant differences between the study and control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of catheter-related colonization was lower than suspected in this high-risk patient group. The use of benzalkonium chloride-impregnated CVC failed to decrease the incidence of catheter-related colonization and bacteremia in patients with a high risk of infectious complications.
Jaeger
K
K
Department of Anesthesiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Osthaus
A
A
Heine
J
J
Ruschulte
H
H
Kuhlmann
C
C
Weissbrodt
H
H
Ganser
A
A
Karthaus
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds