Occurrence rate and risk factors for long-term central line-associated bloodstream infections in patients with cancer: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a public health problem that harms patients' outcomes and healthcare costs, especially in susceptible populations such as patients with cancer. Overall, systematic queries about etiology, risks, and epidemiology are explained by data from observational studies, which better underline the relationship between factors and incidence of disease. However, no recent systematic reviews of observational studies on adult patients with cancer have been conducted on this topic, considering the wide range of all potential factors which can contribute to the increase in infection rate in the hospitalized adults with cancer. This study systematically reviewed observational studies investigating the occurrence rate of CLABSI and its risk factors for long-term inserted central catheter-related infections in hospitalized adult cancer patients.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed on four databases from the earliest available date until December 2020. Retrospective and prospective cohort studies focused on the occurrence rate of CLABSI and its risk factors in hospitalized adult cancer patients. The pooled occurrence rate of CLABSI (95% CI) was calculated by applying a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of 1712 studies, 8 were eligible, and the data of device-related infection rate were meta-analyzed. The pooled occurrence rate of CLABSI was roughly 8% (95% CI [4%, 14%]). The device characteristics, device's management aspects, therapies administration, and select patients' clinical conditions represent the main risk factors for long-term catheter-related infection in cancer patients.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Considering the substantial infection rate among cancer patients, identifying risk rate factors is pivotal to support evidence-grounded preventive strategies and maximize cancer patient safety. This study's results could guide policymakers and healthcare leaders and future research studies to disseminate appropriate risk-reducing management culture and implement standardized research and clinical approach to the investigated phenomenon as an infection surveillance strategy.

Microbial Cell-Free DNA Identifies Etiology of Bloodstream Infections, Persists Longer Than Conventional Blood Cultures, and its Duration of Detection is Associated with Metastatic Infection in Patients with Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-Negative Bacteremia

BACKGROUND

Microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing of plasma can identify presence of a pathogen in a host. This study evaluated the duration of pathogen detection by mcfDNA sequencing vs. conventional blood culture in patients with bacteremia.

METHODS

Blood samples from patients with culture-confirmed bloodstream infection were collected within 24 hours of the index positive blood culture and 48 to 72 hours thereafter. mcfDNA was extracted from plasma and next-generation sequencing (NGS) applied. Reads were aligned against a curated pathogen database. Statistical significance was defined with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons (p < 0.0033).

RESULTS

A total of 175 patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB; n=66), Gram-negative bacteremia (GNB; n=74), or non-infected controls (n=35) were enrolled. The overall sensitivity of mcfDNA sequencing compared to index blood culture was 89.3% (125/140) and the specificity was 74.3%. Among patients with bacteremia, pathogen specific mcfDNA remained detectable for significantly longer than conventional blood cultures (median 15 days vs. 2 days; p<0.0001). Each additional day of mcfDNA detection significantly increased the odds of metastatic infection (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.89; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.53-5.46; p=0.0011).

CONCLUSIONS

Pathogen mcfDNA identified the bacterial etiology of bloodstream infection for a significantly longer interval than conventional cultures, and its duration of detection was associated with increased risk for metastatic infection. mcfDNA could play a role in the diagnosis of partially treated endovascular infections.

Healthcare-associated blood stream infections in hematological patients in Finland during the years 2006-2016

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to identify the clinical characteristics, outcome, and antimicrobial susceptibility of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs) in hematological patients.

METHODS

This retrospectively collected laboratory-based surveillance data include 3404 healthcare-associated BSIs in 2296 patients with a hematological malignancy in hospitals participating in the Finnish Hospital Infection Program from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016.

RESULTS

The most common underlying diseases were acute myelogenous leukemia (35%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (22%). Gram-positive organisms accounted for 60%-46% and gram-negative organisms for 24%-36% of BSIs in 2006-2016. The most common causative organism was coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (n = 731). The 7- and 28-day case fatality rates were 5.2% and 11.4%, respectively, and was highest in BSIs caused by Candida species (10.8% and 30.8%). The median age of patients increased from 59 years in 2006-2008 to 62 years in 2015-2016 (P < .01). Five percent of S aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin and five percent of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were multidrug-resistant. Four percent of Klebsiella and seven percent of E coli isolates were resistant to ceftazidime.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of gram-positive bacteria decreased and gram-negative bacteria increased over time. The case fatality rate was low and the median age of patients increased during the study.

Central venous catheter-related infections in hematology and oncology: 2020 updated guidelines on diagnosis, management, and prevention by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

Cancer patients frequently require central venous catheters for therapy and parenteral nutrition and are at high risk of central venous catheter-related infections (CRIs). Moreover, CRIs prolong hospitalization, cause an excess in resource utilization and treatment cost, often delay anti-cancer treatment, and are associated with a significant increase in mortality in cancer patients. We therefore summoned a panel of experts by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) and updated our previous guideline on CRIs in cancer patients. After conducting systematic literature searches on PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases, video- and meeting-based consensus discussions were held. In the presented guideline, we summarize recommendations on definition, diagnosis, management, and prevention of CRIs in cancer patients including the grading of strength of recommendations and the respective levels of evidence. This guideline supports clinicians and researchers alike in the evidence-based decision-making in the management of CRIs in cancer patients.

Mucosal barrier injury-associated bloodstream infections in pediatric oncology patients

BACKGROUND

Single-center reports of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and the subcategory of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) in pediatric hematology oncology transplant (PHO) patients have focused on the inpatient setting. Characterization of MBI-LCBI across PHO centers and management settings (inpatient and ambulatory) is urgently needed to inform surveillance and prevention strategies.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from August 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, on CLABSI (including MBI-LCBI) from a US PHO multicenter quality improvement network database was analyzed. CDC National Healthcare Safety Network definitions were applied for inpatient events and adapted for ambulatory events.

RESULTS

Thirty-five PHO centers reported 401 ambulatory and 416 inpatient MBI-LCBI events. Ambulatory and inpatient MBI-LCBI rates were 0.085 and 1.01 per 1000 line days, respectively. Fifty-three percent of inpatient CLABSIs were MBI-LCBIs versus 32% in the ambulatory setting (P  <  0.01). Neutropenia was the most common criterion defining MBI-LCBI in both settings, being present in ≥90% of events. The most common organisms isolated in MBI-LCBI events were Escherichia coli (in 28% of events), Klebsiella spp. (23%), and viridans streptococci (12%) in the ambulatory setting and viridans streptococci (in 29% of events), E. coli (14%), and Klebsiella spp. (14%) in the inpatient setting.

CONCLUSION

In this largest study of PHO MBI-LCBI inpatient events and the first such study in the ambulatory setting, the burden of MBI-LCBI across the continuum of care of PHO patients was substantial. These data should raise awareness of MBI-LCBI among healthcare providers for PHO patients, help benchmarking across centers, and help inform prevention and treatment strategies.

Central Line Care: Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections on a Hematologic Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplant Unit

BACKGROUND

Patients with hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplant recipients are at increased risk for infections because of their prolonged periods of profound neutropenia. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) can result in lengthy hospitalizations, increased healthcare costs, and increased morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this comprehensive educational training program was to reduce CLABSI rates by focusing on the standardized practices associated with use, care, and maintenance of all types of central lines.

METHODS

A pretest was administered to nursing staff. Based on the responses, an education program was then created. The program consisted of a comprehensive two-hour class using different modalities of teaching, including standardized practices associated with central line care.

FINDINGS

The comprehensive education program was effective in standardizing education and improving knowledge gaps, resulting in the reduction of CLABSI rates. Overall, staff knowledge surrounding central line care and maintenance increased by 16%. In addition, no CLABSI events have been reported on the unit from the time of program initiation.

Comparison of Rates of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Patients With 1 vs 2 Central Venous Catheters

IMPORTANCE

National Healthcare Safety Network methods for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance do not account for potential additive risk for CLABSI associated with use of 2 central venous catheters (CVCs) at the same time (concurrent CVCs); facilities that serve patients requiring high acuity care with medically indicated concurrent CVC use likely disproportionally incur Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services payment penalties for higher CLABSI rates.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the risk for CLABSI associated with concurrent use of a second CVC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with 2 or more days with a CVC at 4 geographically separated general acute care hospitals in the Atlanta, Georgia, area that varied in size from 110 to 580 beds, from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. Variables included clinical conditions, central line-days, and concurrent CVC use. Patients were propensity score-matched for likelihood of concurrence (limited to 2 CVCs), and conditional logistic regression modeling was performed to estimate the risk of CLABSI associated with concurrence. Episodes of CVC were categorized as low or high risk and single vs concurrent use to evaluate time to CLABSI with Cox proportional hazards regression models. Data were analyzed from January to June 2019.

EXPOSURES

Two CVCs present at the same time.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Hospitalizations in which a patient developed a CLABSI, allowing estimation of patient risk for CLABSI and daily hazard for a CVC episode ending in CLABSI.

RESULTS

Among a total of 50 254 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 59 [45-69] years; 26 661 [53.1%] women), 64 575 CVCs were used and 647 CLABSIs were recorded. Concurrent CVC use was recorded in 6877 patients (13.7%); the most frequent indications for concurrent CVC use were nutrition (554 patients [14.1%]) or hemodialysis (1706 patients [43.4%]). In the propensity score-matched cohort, 74 of 3932 patients with concurrent CVC use (1.9%) developed CLABSI, compared with 81 of 7864 patients with single CVC use (1.0%). Having 2 CVCs for longer than two-thirds of a patient's CVC use duration was associated with increased likelihood of developing a CLABSI, adjusting for central line-days and comorbidities (adjusted risk ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.10-2.33; P = .001). In survival analysis adjusting for sex, receipt of chemotherapy or total parenteral nutrition, and facility, compared with a single CVC, the daily hazard for 2 low-risk CVCs was 1.78 (95% CI, 1.35-2.34; P < .001), while the daily hazard for 1 low-risk and 1 high-risk CVC was 1.80 (95% CI, 1.42-2.28; P < .001), and the daily hazard for 2 high-risk CVCs was 1.78 (95% CI, 1.14-2.77; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that concurrent CVC use is associated with nearly 2-fold the risk of CLABSI compared with use of a single low-risk CVC. Performance metrics for CLABSI should change to account for variations of this intrinsic patient risk among facilities to reduce biased comparisons and resultant penalties applied to facilities that are caring for more patients with medically indicated concurrent CVC use.

Comparison of complication rates and incidences associated with different peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in patients with hematological malignancies: a retrospective cohort study

Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) or undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) require reliable vascular access. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) meet this need, however, studies suggest these patients have higher rates of PICC-associated complications. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the influence of PICC type on the rates and incidences of complications. Four hundred and eighty-five dual lumen PICCs were inserted into 469 complex patients with HM or undergoing HCT: 161 Groshong^®, 60 PowerPICC^® Solo, 165 BioFlo^®, and 99 Arrow^®. The rates and incidences of complications differed significantly across the PICC types. The overall rate of complication ranged from 7.40 to 26.4/1000 catheter days (CDs). The rate of deep vein thrombosis (0.31-1.48/1000 CDs) and occlusion differed across the PICC types, while the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (0.53-0.74/1000 CDs) did not. Following multivariate adjustment, PICC type was associated with complication rate. This highlights that PICC type should be considered in clinical decisions.

Impact of multiple concurrent central lines on central-line-associated bloodstream infection rates

BACKGROUND

The current methodology for calculating central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates, used for pay-for-performance measures, does not account for multiple concurrent central lines.

OBJECTIVE

To compare CLABSI rates using standard National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) denominators to rates accounting for multiple concurrent central lines.

DESIGN

Descriptive analysis and retrospective cohort analysis.

METHODS

We identified all adult patients with central lines at 2 academic medical centers over an 18-month period. CLABSI rates were calculated for intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICUs using the standard NHSN methodology and denominator (a patient could only have 1 central-line day for a given patient day) and a modified denominator (number of central lines in 1 patient in 1 day count as number of line days). We also compared characteristics of patients with and without multiple concurrent central lines.

RESULTS

Among 18,521 hospital admissions, there were 156,574 central-line days and 239 CLABSIs (ICU, 105; non-ICU, 134). Our modified denominator reduced CLABSI rates by 25% in ICUs (1.95 vs 1.47 per 1,000 line days) and 6% (1.30 vs 1.22 per 1,000 line days) in non-ICUs. Patients with multiple concurrent central lines were more likely to be in an ICU, to have a longer admission, to have a dialysis catheter, and to have a CLABSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the number of central lines as the denominator decreased CLABSI rates in ICUs by 25%. The presence of multiple concurrent central lines may be a marker of severity of illness. The risk of CLABSI per lumen of a central line is similar in ICUs compared to wards.

A Retrospective Analysis of Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: The Role of Central Venous Catheters and Mucosal Barrier Injury

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Indwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) increase risk for BSIs, yet mucosal barrier injury–associated laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) may also occur due to translocation of pathogenic organisms from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between stool organisms and BSIs in children with CVCs who underwent HSCT. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 78 children who received allogeneic HSCT over 3 years (2012-2014). Surveillance stool cultures were analyzed pre- and post-HSCT to assess correlations between organisms isolated from stool and CVC cultures. Results: Twenty-four of 78 children experienced 31 BSIs. Fifteen (48%) of these isolates were identified in stool within 30 days of the positive blood culture, and 11 (36%) isolates met criteria for MBI-LCBI. Conclusions: Mucosal barrier injury leads to translocation of pathogenic organisms into the bloodstream and accounts for a significant number of BSIs in children undergoing HSCT. Nursing assessment of mucosal changes during HSCT and interventions to preserve intact mucosa are essential to prevent MBI-LCBI.

Impact of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in department of hematology at single university hospital in Japan

BACKGROUND

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most serious complications especially in blood cancer patients. In January 2013, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) introduced a new surveillance definition of mucosal barrier injury-associated laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI). This study was to determine the impact of MBI-LCBI on CLABSIs and compare the clinical characteristics of MBI versus non-MBI-LCBI cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 250 consecutive patients. They were admitted in department of hematology at Aichi Medical University Hospital. We applied the revised 2013 CLABSI surveillance protocol to all CLABSI cases identified during the 47-months period from May 2012 through June 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 44 CLABSIs were identified. The median patient age was 65 years (range, 12 to 89). Among 44 patients, 31 patients were diagnosed as leukemia (70.5%) and 12 patients as lymphoma (27.3%). Six patients underwent bone transplantation for leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (13.6%). A total of 20 patients (45.5%) were classified as MBI-LCBI and 24 (54.5%) were classified as non-MBI-LCBI. The primary disease type (P = 0.018), neutropenic within 3 days before CLABSI (MBI-LCBI vs. non-MBI-LCBI: 95.0% vs. 26.3%, P = <0.0001), line(s) removed owing to CLABSI (15.0% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.011) and Gram-negative organisms cultured (70.0% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.004) showed significantly difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that MBI-LCBI cases account for 45.5% of the CLABSI cases identified in blood cancer patients, and constituted a significant burden to this high-risk patient population.

Catheter-related infections in patients with haematological malignancies: novel preventive and therapeutic strategies

Central venous catheters are essential for the treatment of patients with haematological malignancies and the recipients of stem-cell transplant. This patient population is, however, at high risk for catheter-related bloodstream infections that can result in substantial morbidity, mortality, and health-care-associated costs. Efficient prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment are essential to providing the best care to these patients. Although confirming the catheter as a source of infection remains challenging, the Infectious Diseases Society of America definition of catheter-related bloodstream infection remains the most precise definition to use in these patients. Gram-positive bacteria, particularly coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp, remain the leading cause of catheter-related bloodstream infection, although an increase in Gram-negative bacteria as the causative agent has been noted. Although removal of the line and appropriate intravenous antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment in most cases, novel technologies, including exchange with antibiotic-coated catheters and treatment with lock solutions, are particularly relevant in this patient population. In this Review we present the types of central venous catheters used in this patient population and analyse the different definitions of catheter-related infections, with an overview of their prevention and management.

A clinical practical approach to the surveillance definition of central line-associated bloodstream infection in cancer patients with mucosal barrier injury

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently introduced the concept of mucosal barrier injury (MBI) in an attempt to recognize the possibility of a gastrointestinal source for certain bloodstream infections. This could underestimate the central venous catheter (CVC) as the source of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in cancer. The definition of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) by the Infectious Diseases Society of America is a more specific and stringent definition that identifies the CVC as the source of infection. In our study, we compared the 2 definitions in cancer patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 149 CLABSI cases that occurred at our center between January 2013 and March 2014 who had 2 simultaneously positive blood cultures drawn from the CVC and peripheral site or concurrent paired tip and blood cultures.

RESULTS

Of the 149 patients with CLABSI, only 70 (47%) had definite CRBSI. CRBSI was identified more commonly in non-MBI CLABSI cases than MBI CLABSI (69% vs 18%, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CRBSI definition may be more accurate in identifying the catheter as the source of bloodstream infection in patients with MBI. Because CRBSI continues to occur in patients with MBI, we caution against excluding all MBI patients from CLABSI surveillance.

Surveillance of bloodstream infections in pediatric cancer centers - what have we learned and how do we move on?

Pediatric patients receiving conventional chemotherapy for malignant disease face an increased risk of bloodstream infection (BSI). Since BSI may represent an acute life-threatening event in patients with profound immunosuppression, and show further negative impact on quality of life and anticancer treatment, the prevention of BSI is of paramount importance to improve and guarantee patients' safety during intensive treatment. The great majority of all pediatric cancer patients (about 85%) have a long-term central venous access catheter in use (type Broviac or Port; CVAD). Referring to the current surveillance definitions a significant proportion of all BSI in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia is categorized as CVAD-associated BSI. This state of the art review summarizes the epidemiology and the distinct pathogen profile of BSI in pediatric cancer patients from the perspective of infection surveillance. Problems in executing the current surveillance definition in this patient population are discussed and a new concept for the surveillance of BSI in pediatric cancer patients is outlined.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of mucosal barrier injury-associated bloodstream infection improves accurate detection of preventable bacteremia rates at a pediatric cancer center in a low- to middle-income country

BACKGROUND

The US National Healthcare Safety Network has provided a definition of mucosal barrier injury-associated, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) to improve infection surveillance. To date there is little information about its influence in pediatric oncology centers in low- to middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of the definition on the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and compare the clinical characteristics of MBI versus non-MBI LCBI cases.

METHODS

We retrospectively applied the National Healthcare Safety Network definition to all CLABSIs recorded at a pediatric oncology center in Tijuana, Mexico, from January 2011 through December 2014. CLABSI events were reclassified according to the MBI-LCBI definition. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of MBI and non-MBI CLABSIs were compared.

RESULTS

Of 55 CLABSI events, 44% (24 out of 55) qualified as MBI-LCBIs; all were MBI-LCBI subcategory 1 (intestinal flora pathogens). After the number of MBI-LCBI cases was removed from the numerator, the CLABSI rate during the study period decreased from 5.72-3.22 infections per 1,000 central line days. Patients with MBI-LCBI were significantly younger than non-MBI-LCBI patients (P = .029) and had a significantly greater frequency of neutropenia (100% vs 39%; P = .001) and chemotherapy exposure (87% vs 58%; P = .020) and significantly longer median hospitalization (34 vs 23 days; P = .008).

CONCLUSION

A substantial proportion of CLABSI events at our pediatric cancer center met the MBI-LCBI criteria. Our results support separate monitoring and reporting of MBI and non-MBI-LCBIs in low- to middle-income countries to allow accurate detection and tracking of preventable (non-MBI) bloodstream infections.

The burden of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection among hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact and burden of the new National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance definition, mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI), in hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant populations.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant units at a large academic medical center.

METHODS

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) identified during a 14-month period were reviewed and classified as MBI-LCBI or non-MBI-LCBI (MBI-LCBI criteria not met). During this period, interventions to improve central line maintenance were implemented. Characteristics of patients with MBI-LCBI and non-MBI-LCBI were compared. Total CLABSI, MBI-LCBI, and non-MBI-LCBI rates were compared between baseline and postintervention phases of the study period.

RESULTS

Among 66 total CLABSI cases, 47 (71%) met MBI-LCBI criteria. Patients with MBI-LCBI and non-MBI-LCBI were similar in regard to most clinical and demographic characteristics. Between the baseline and postintervention study periods, the overall CLABSI rate decreased from 3.37 to 3.21 infections per 1,000 line-days (incidence rate ratio, 0.95; 4.7% reduction, P=.84), the MBI-LCBI rate increased from 2.08 to 2.61 infections per 1,000 line-days (incidence rate ratio, 1.25; 25.3% increase, P=.44), and the non-MBI-LCBI rate decreased from 1.29 to 0.60 infections per 1,000 line-days (incidence rate ratio, 0.47; 53.3% reduction, P=.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Most CLABSIs identified among hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant patients met MBI-LCBI criteria, and CLABSI prevention efforts did not reduce these infections. Further review of the MBI-LCBI definition and impact is necessary to direct future definition changes and reporting mandates.

Preventing CLABSIs among pediatric hematology/oncology inpatients: national collaborative results

OBJECTIVES

Central lines (CLs) are essential for the delivery of modern cancer care to children. Nonetheless, CLs are subject to potentially life-threatening complications, including central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a multicenter effort to standardize CL care and CLABSI tracking, and to quantify the impact of standardizing these processes on CLABSI rates among pediatric hematology/oncology inpatients.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter quality improvement collaborative starting in November 2009. Multidisciplinary teams at participating sites implemented a standardized bundle of CL care practices and adopted a common approach to CLABSI surveillance.

RESULTS

Thirty-two units participated in the collaborative and reported a mean, precollaborative CLABSI rate of 2.85 CLABSIs per 1000 CL-days. Self-reported adoption of the CL care bundle was brisk, with average compliance approaching 80% by the end of the first year of the collaborative and exceeding 80% thereafter. As of August 2012, the mean CLABSI rate during the collaborative was 2.04 CLABSIs per 1000 CL-days, a reduction of 28% (relative risk: 0.71 [95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.92]). Changes in self-reported CL care bundle compliance were not statistically associated with changes in CLABSI rates, although there was little variability in bundle compliance rates after the first year of the collaborative.

CONCLUSIONS

A multicenter quality improvement collaborative found significant reductions in observed CLABSI rates in pediatric hematology/oncology inpatients. Additional interventions will likely be required to bring and sustain CLABSI rates closer to zero for this high-risk population.