title: Reduction of catheter-related bloodstream infections in preterm infants by the use of catheters with the AgION antimicrobial system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aims to assess if use of a silver zeolite-impregnated umbilical catheter (AgION technology) can decrease the occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSIs) in preterm infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Infants with gestational age<30weeks were randomized to receive an AgION impregnated or non-impregnated polyurethane umbilical venous catheter (UVC). The primary endpoint was the incidence of CRBSIs during the time the UVC was in place.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We studied 86 infants, 41 of whom received the AgION catheter and 45 the non-impregnated catheter. During umbilical venous catheterization 2% of infants in the AgION group developed CRBSI in comparison with 22% of infants in the control group (p=0.005). AgION catheters were well tolerated and none of the patients showed signs attributable to silver toxicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The AgION-impregnated UVCs were effective in decreasing the development of CRBSIs in preterm infants compared to non-impregnated polyurethane UVCs.
authors: Department of Surgical and Medical Critical Care, Section of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 85, 50134 Florence, Italy.
authors: Giovanna
authors: G
authors: Bertini
authors: Serena
authors: S
authors: Elia
authors: Federica
authors: F
authors: Ceciarini
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Dani
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D018805:Sepsis / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents