Comparison of catheter-related infection risk in two different long-term venous devices in adult hematology-oncology patients.
OBJECTIVE
Infection is the leading complication of long-term central venous catheters, and its incidence may vary according to catheter type. The objective of this study was to compare the frequency and probability of infection between two types of long-term intravenous devices.


METHODS
Retrospective study in 96 onco-hematology patients with partially implanted catheters (n = 55) or completely implanted ones (n = 42). Demographic data and catheter care were similar in both groups. Infection incidence and infection-free survival were used for the comparison of the two devices.


RESULTS
In a median follow-up time of 210 days, the catheter-related infection incidence was 0.2102/100 catheter-days for the partially implanted devices and 0.0045/100 catheter-days for the completely implanted devices; the infection incidence rate was 46.7 (CI 95% = 6.2 to 348.8). The 1-year first infection-free survival ratio was 45% versus 97%, and the 1-year removal due to infection-free survival ratio was 42% versus 97% for partially and totally implanted catheters, respectively (P <.001 for both comparisons).


CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, the infection risk was lower in completely implanted devices than in partially implanted ones.
Pracchia
Luís Fernando
LF
Department of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo and the Pró-Sangue Foundation - São Paulo/SP, Brazil. lupra73@uol.com.br
Dias
Lúcia Cristina Santos
LC
Dorlhiac-Llacer
Pedro Enrique
PE
Chamone
Dalton de Alencar Fisher
Dde A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged