Antimicrobial-coated/bonded and -impregnated intravascular catheters.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature regarding the prevention of catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBIs) with the use of antimicrobial-coated/bonded and -impregnated intravascular catheters.


METHODS
Primary and review English-language literature were identified using MEDLINE (1966-September 2000) pertaining to the key terms antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, silver, and bonded, coated, Impregnated catheters. In addition, textbooks and relevant reference lists were reviewed.


METHODS
All articles identified through the data sources were evaluated. Information deemed relevant to the objectives of the review was included.


RESULTS
Significant morbidity and mortality are associated with the development of CRBIs. Preventative measures such as modification of these catheters with antimicrobial coating/bonding have produced varying results. Trials evaluating cefazolin, teicoplanin, vancomycin, silver, and chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine (C-SS) used for coated/bonded intravascular catheters have not demonstrated a consistent decrease in the incidence of CRBIs. However, a meta-analysis of trials evaluating C-SS intravascular catheters demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in CRBIs. A larger reduction in CRBIs has been reported with minocycline-rifampin (M-R) versus C-SS intravascular catheters. Use of the M-R and C-SS catheters may result in a cost savings of $100 million and reduce as many as 12,000 CRBI-related deaths annually when used short term (<7 d).


CONCLUSIONS
When used for short-term catheterization, M-R catheters appear to be superior to the currently available C-SS catheters at preventing CRBIs. Significant cost savings and reduction in mortality can be anticipated with the use of M-R catheters.
Pai
M P
MP
College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.
Pendland
S L
SL
Danziger
L H
LH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine