Risk factors for central venous catheter-related infections in general surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Central venous catheter (CVC) infection is a common problem during hospitalization and nosocomial bloodstream infection in these patients is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health care cost. This prospective study examined the risk factors of CVC-related infections.


METHODS
During a 6-month period, a total of 281 patients who underwent central venous catheterization after general surgery were enrolled.


RESULTS
The mean duration from CVC insertion to the development of infection was 7.12 days. The rate of bloodstream infection without isolation of the same organism from the catheter was 1.4% (4/281). The rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection was 6.0% (17/281). The rate of catheter bacteremia, defined as positive culture from a catheter blood sample in a patient without signs of infection, was 8.5% (24/281). The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection was 7.5/1000 catheter-days. Risk factors for catheter-related infection on univariate analysis included place of insertion (operating room or surgical ward), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), more than 3 tubings, and duration of catheterization. TPN was a significant risk factor in the logistic regression analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Established infection control guidelines should be rigorously observed with regard to catheter use and various risk factors controlled to prevent the occurrence of CVC-related infection, especially in patients receiving TPN.
Chen
Huan Sheng
HS
Department of Medicine, Li-Shin Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Wang
Fu Der
FD
Lin
Man
M
Lin
Yi Chun
YC
Huang
Ling Ju
LJ
Liu
Chen Yi
CY
D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D015003:Yeasts / Q000302:isolation & purification