Effect of reusing suction catheters on the occurrence of pneumonia in children.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether disposable suction catheters can be reused in the same patient for a 24-hour period without affecting the incidence of pneumonia.


METHODS
The study design was a randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
The study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary pediatric center.


METHODS
Subjects included 486 children with an endotracheal tube in place.


METHODS
The development of pneumonia, diagnosed with radiographic and clinical evidence, was the measure. Cost analysis was also undertaken.


METHODS
Subjects in the study group (n = 241) were suctioned using the same catheter for a 24-hour period. Those in the control group (n = 245) had a new catheter for each episode of suctioning.


RESULTS
Pneumonia developed in 14 members (5.71%) of the control group and in 12 members (4.98%) of the study group, a difference of 0.7% (95% CI, -3.3% to 4.7%). Cost analysis indicated a saving of Aust $4.14 per patient per day.


CONCLUSIONS
Reusing suction catheters for up to 24 hours is both safe and cost-effective.
Scoble
M K
MK
Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Copnell
B
B
Taylor
A
A
Kinney
S
S
Shann
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000209:etiology*; D013396:Suction; D013996:Time and Motion Studies