Catheter-related bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units

Risk Factors for Infection in Neonates With Intestinal Failure

PURPOSE

Neonates with intestinal failure (IF) are at risk for infection due to central venous access, and intestinal surgery. Infection can cause systemic inflammation and sepsis, potentially affecting growth. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for, and the potential impact of infection to help with preventative strategies.

METHODS

A retrospective review of infants with IF, at a single centre from 2018 to 2022 was conducted. Clinical characteristics, intestinal pathology, nutritional intake, and growth were compared among infants with bloodstream infection (BSI), other infection (OI) (urinary, respiratory, or wound), or no infection (NI) within 2 months of diagnosis. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons with p-values <0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Eighty-six infants were included, with gastroschisis (41%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (26%) the most common diagnoses. Fifty-nine % of infants developed infection (22% BSI and 37% OI). Those with BSI or OI had a lower gestational age and birthweight, and were more likely to have a stoma. All infants with complex gastroschisis developed infection compared to 38% of infants with simple gastroschisis. Median daily weight gain was suboptimal across all groups and did not differ over 6 weeks following infection.

CONCLUSION

Most infants with IF develop infection shortly after diagnosis. Risk factors include prematurity, complex gastroschisis, and the presence of a stoma. Growth was suboptimal but did not differ among infants with or without infection.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III Retrospective Comparative Study.

Impact of daily octenidine skin washing versus nonwashing on antiseptic tolerance of coagulase-negative staphylococci in two neonatal intensive care units with different skin cleansing practices

Background

There is wide variation in practices regarding routine bathing/washing of babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Evidence is lacking as to the benefit of routine antiseptic washes for reducing infection. We aimed to compare the antiseptic tolerance of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) within two UK NICUs with very different approaches to skin washing.

Methods

We compared antiseptic susceptibility of CoNS isolated from skin swabs of neonates admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) NICU in December 2017-March 2018 with those isolated in the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) NICU in January-March 2020. The NNUH does not practise routine whole-body washing whereas BRI practises daily whole-body washing from post-menstrual age 27 weeks using Octenisan wash lotion (0.3% octenidine; 1 minute contact time before washing off with sterile water). A total of 78 CoNS isolates from BRI and 863 from the NNUH were tested for susceptibility against the antiseptics octenidine (OCT) and chlorhexidine (CHX).

Results

Isolates from the BRI with practice of routine washing did not show increased antiseptic tolerance to OCT or CHX. Isolates from the NNUH which does not practise routine whole-body washing and rarely uses octenidine, were comparatively less susceptible to both CHX and OCT antiseptics.

Conclusions

Daily whole-body skin washing with OCT does not appear to select for CoNS isolates that are antiseptic tolerant towards OCT and CHX. There remains considerable uncertainty about the impact of different antiseptic regimes on neonatal skin microbiota, the benefit of routine washing, and the development of antiseptic tolerance in the NICU.

Complications and Related Risk Factors of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Neonates: A Historical Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are an effective method for medication and nutrition infusion in preterm neonates. The present study aimed to identify the incidence of the most common complications of PICC implantation and evaluate the risk factors of each complication.

METHODS

This historical cohort study was conducted on 2500 neonates with birth weights (BWs)≥500 g and gestational age (GA)>24 weeks who had a history of PICC inserted in three NICUs between August 2015 and August 2018. Data were collected by reviewing medical records. Demographic data and indices of catheter placement, duration of catheter placement, and common complications were recorded. Data analysis was done using SPSS-21.

RESULTS

The median cubital vein had the most PICC placement (43%). The most common complication was tip malposition (48.2%). The incidence rates (95% CI) of the main complications such as malposition, edema/occlusion, and PICC migration were 0.0356 (0.0337-0.0377), 0.0134 (0.0122-0.0147), and 0.0088 (0.0079-0.0099), respectively. PICC insertion position was the strongest predictor of malposition for the cephalic vein. Besides, the incidence of malformation in the cephalic vein was about six times higher than in the median cubital vein. Independent risk factors for non-technical complications included BW (OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.79), administration of hyperosmolar medications (OR=3.43, 95% CI 2.62-4.51), position (OR=2.43, 95% CI 1.92- 3.08), and duration of catheter presence (OR=1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03) (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The most common complication was malposition related to catheter placement in an emergency. Moreover, BW, administration of hyperosmolar medications, and duration of catheter presence were the most critical risk factors for non-technical complications. Therefore, it is recommended to educate the PICC insertion team to reduce tip malposition and replace long-term catheters.

A Standardized Training Program in Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Line Placement: Improving Nurses' Confidence and Success

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided imagery to obtain peripheral intravenous (USGIV) access is a technique that can be used to increase successful peripheral intravenous catheter insertion rates. Improving rates of USGIV use will subsequently decrease central venous catheter use and thus decrease the time to treatment initiation, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE

Current available programs teach nurses USGIV use for the adult population, mainly with a focus on the emergency department. To address this gap in knowledge, a USGIV program aimed at the specific needs of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse was developed and implemented.

METHOD

Twelve NICU nurses were trained in USGIV access during a 4-hour combination didactic and simulation-based program. Participants took a pretest survey assessing baseline knowledge and confidence levels related to USGIV access. After didactic lecture, participants worked at stations focused on USGIV access. An 80% benchmark for each participant was set for successful USGIV attempts during simulation. Participants' knowledge and confidence levels were reassessed at the end of the program.

RESULTS

Posttest scores increased by an average of 25%, demonstrating increased knowledge. The pre- to posttest confidence scores increased by a minimum of 1.6 points (based on a 5-point Likert scale). All participants (n = 12) successfully demonstrated proficiency by achieving at least 80% of attempted USGIV access on a mannequin.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

This project demonstrated that USGIV catheter can be employed in neonatal patients by training NICU nurses in USGIV techniques.

D, 施 丽. Risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheterization-associated bloodstream infection in neonates

OBJECTIVES

To study the features of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) or central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) after peripherally inserted central catheterization (PICC) in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the risk factors for CRBSI or CLABSI.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of the neonates who were treated and required PICC in the NICU of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from June 1, 2018 to May 1, 2020. The catheterization-related data were collected, including placement time, insertion site, removal time, and antimicrobial lock of PICC. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the risk factors for CRBSI or CLABSI in the neonates.

RESULTS

A total of 446 neonates were enrolled, with a mean gestational age of (30.8±4.0) weeks, a mean birth weight of (1 580±810) g, a median age of 9 days, and a median duration of PICC of 18 days. The incidence rates of CLABSI and CRBSI were 5.6 and 1.46 per 1 000 catheter days, respectively. Common pathogens for CLABSI caused by PICC included Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=19) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=11), and those for CRBSI caused by PICC included Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=6). The risk of CLABSI caused by PICC increased significantly with prolonged durations of PICC and antibiotic use, and the PICC-related infection probability at head and neck was significantly lower than that in the upper and low limbs (P<0.05), while the above conditions were more obvious in neonates with a birth weight of <1 500 g. The risk of CRBSI caused by PICC decreased with the increase in gestational age (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CRBSI and CLABSI remain serious issues in NICU nosocomial infection. The identification of the risk factors for CRBSI and CLABSI provides a basis for improving the quality of clinical care and management.

Index for the appropriate vancomycin dosing in premature neonates and infants

BACKGROUND

In neonates, vancomycin (VCM) is used to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections. However, VCM blood concentrations are affected by gestational age, bodyweight (BW), and renal function. The initial VCM dose adjustment can therefore be difficult, and few reports have evaluated this issue. In this study, we investigated the factors determining the appropriate VCM dosing schedule in neonates, especially premature infants.

METHODS

The VCM dosage and trough concentrations were retrospectively investigated from the initial treatment to maintenance therapy in neonatal intensive care unit patients who underwent therapeutic drug monitoring. We examined the average single-administration VCM dosage during maintenance therapy. We then compared the actual VCM dose with that calculated using an index comprising six items that influence the VCM daily dose (postnatal age, gestational age, BW, serum creatinine level, urine output, and lactate level).

RESULTS

Twenty premature infants were included. The average BW of patients at the initial VCM administration was 975 g. During maintenance therapy, the average VCM dose was 8.4 mg/kg, and the median trough concentration was 12.4 μg/mL. When we applied the six-item index, 18 of 20 patients (90%) had concordant results between the actual VCM dosing schedule and the VCM calculated using the index.

CONCLUSIONS

The average VCM dose and six-item index can facilitate the transition from the initial VCM dose to an appropriate dose in many cases and contribute to early treatment in low-birthweight infants with more variable BW, distribution volumes, and renal function. In conclusion, our six-item index may help standardize VCM administration in premature infants.

Aqueous chlorhexidine 1% versus 2% for neonatal skin antisepsis: a randomised non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether 1% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) when compared with 2% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate is non-inferior for neonatal skin antisepsis.

DESIGN

Parallel, blinded, non-inferiority randomised trial.

SETTING

Level III, academic, neonatal intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

Infants born at 26^0/7 to 42^6/7 weeks of gestation from June 2019 to December 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomised to skin antisepsis by either 1% aqueous CHG or 2% aqueous CHG.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the proportion of negative skin swab cultures after skin antisepsis. Secondary outcomes were local skin reactions at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours and plasma chlorhexidine levels in a subset of the study population.

RESULTS

A total of 308 neonates with a median gestation age of 34 (31-37) weeks and mean birth weight of 2029 g were randomised on 685 occasions (1% CHG: n=341; 2% CHG: n=344). 93.0% of the post-antisepsis skin swabs were sterile in 1% CHG group compared with 95.6% of the swabs in the 2% CHG group (risk difference -2.7%, 95% CI -6.2% to +0.8%). The lower bound of 95% CI crossed the pre-specified absolute non-inferiority limit of 5%. Neonates developed mild dermatitis on 16 (2.3%) occasions. There was no significant difference in median plasma CHG levels in the two groups, 19.6 (12.5-36.4) and 12.6 (8.7-26.6) ng/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of 1% aqueous CHG was not shown to be non-inferior to 2% chlorhexidine aqueous for skin antisepsis in neonates. There were no severe skin-related adverse events in either of the two groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2019/06/019822; (http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=33453&EncHid=&userName=CTRI/2019/06/019822).

CLABSI reduction using evidence based interventions and nurse empowerment: a quality improvement initiative from a tertiary care NICU in Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We designed a CLABSI Prevention Package (CPP) to decrease NICU CLABSI rates, using evidence-proven interventions.

DESIGN

This was a quality improvement (QI) project. Data collection was divided into three phases (pre-implementation, implementation and post implementation). SQUIRE2.0 guidelines were used to design, implement and report this QI initiative.

SETTING

A tertiary care level 3 NICU at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan.

PATIENTS

All patients admitted to the AKUH NICU from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2018 who had a central line in place during their NICU admission.

INTERVENTIONS

CPP used evidence-based interventions focusing on hand hygiene, aseptic central line insertion techniques and central line care, prevention of fungal infections and nurse empowerment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

CLABSI rates pre and post intervention were recorded. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for CLABSI, device (central line) utilisation ratio, CLABSI related mortality and micro-organism profile.

RESULTS

CLABSI rates decreased from 17.1/1000 device days to 5.0/1000 device days (relative risk (RR)=0.36, CI=0.17-0.74). Device (central line) utilisation ratio declined from 0.30 to 0.25. Out of 613 patients enrolled in our study, 139 (22.7%) died. Mortality was higher in CLABSI group (n=20, 44%) as compared with non CLABSI group (n=119, 21.1%) (p<0.001). Gestational age of <27 weeks was an independent risk factor for CLABSI (RR=4.45, CI=1.10-18.25, p=0.03). A total of 158 pathogens were isolated among which 68 were associated with CLABSI. Gram-negative bacteria 31 (47.7%) were the most common cause of CLABSI. Ninety-seven (61%) micro-organisms were multi-drug resistant.

CONCLUSIONS

CPP was effective in decreasing NICU CLABSI rates and can be used as a model to decrease NICU CLABSI rates in low or middle-income countries.

Improving clinical outcomes of very low birth weight infants: Implementation of standardized management guidelines in tertiary care hospital in Haryana

BACKGROUND

Standardized written guidelines and protocols in NICU are known to impact neonatal outcomes and improve survival.

OBJECTIVE

To study and compare the morbidity and mortality outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates before and after introduction of structured approach to standardized management guidelines on four interventions in a tertiary care hospital in North India.

METHODOLOGY

Structured approach to standardized management guidelines on four interventions were implemented for VLBW infants in NICU. a) Humidified and Heated High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC) as the initial mode of ventilator support in preterm VLBW babies. b) Expressed breast milk for feeding preterm VLBW babies and absolutely no formula milk. c) Hand washing and following "Bundle Care Approach" for Central lines as the cardinal cornerstones for maintaining strict asepsis. d) Development and supportive care to be regularly followed. Data was collected prospectively from July 2015 to December 2016 (Intervention Group) and compared with retrospective matched controls from the previous year (July 2014-June 2015) (Control Group).

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in culture positive sepsis in the intervention group compared to control group (3 (2.97%) CI:0.006-0.08 vs 11 (19.64%) CI:0.10-0.32; P = .0004). There was no significant difference in the mortality (5.35% vs3.96% P = .74) amongst the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Implementing structured approach to above mentioned interventions in the form of standardized management guidelines for preterm VLBW neonates was associated with significant reduction in culture proven sepsis and mechanical ventilation days without affecting mortality or other co-morbidities.

Impact of an Educational Program on Nurses' Performance in Providing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Care for Neonates

All nurses who care for neonates with peripherally inserted central catheters require enhanced awareness of the current practice guidelines and standards. This study evaluated the impact of an educational program on nurses' performance from May 2016 to July 2017 at 4 hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The performance of 80 nurses was observed and scored 3 times before the intervention. Four weeks after the last training session, their performance was observed with the same researcher, and the checklist was completed 3 times in different working shifts. Four 35- to 45-minute training sessions were completed with a 4-week follow-up. Results of the study indicated that training courses should be held every 6 months, including permanent or periodic feedback.

Risk factors for central venous catheter-related infections in a neonatal population - systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This was a systematic review of the incidence density and risk factors for central venous catheter-related infections in a neonatal population.

DATA SOURCE

The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, BDENF, SciELO, and LILACS databases were used without date or language restriction. Studies that analyzed risk factors for bloodstream infections in newborns were identified.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 134 articles were found that met the eligibility criteria. Of these articles, 14 were selected that addressed risk factors for central venous catheter-related infection in neonates. Catheter-related bloodstream infections remain an important complication, as shown by the incidence rates reported in the studies included in this review. The observed risk factors indicate that low birth weight, prematurity, and longer catheter permanence are related to a higher incidence of bloodstream infections. It has been observed that low rates of catheter-related infections, i.e., close to zero, are already a reality in health institutions in developed countries, since they use infection surveillance and control programs.

CONCLUSION

Catheter-related bloodstream infections still show high incidence density rates in developing countries. The authors emphasize the need for further longitudinal studies and the need for better strategies to prevent risk factors, aiming at the reduction of catheter-related infections.

Impact of a rapid molecular test for positive blood cultures from neonatal intensive care patients on clinical management: a retrospective audit

BACKGROUND

Both Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococci are common causes of late-onset neonatal sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), usually relating to intravascular access device infections.

AIMS

This project aimed to review the impact on antimicrobial treatment and clinical outcome in the NICU setting, of the introduction of the Xpert MRSA/SA BC test (Cepheid, USA) for the identification of staphylococci in blood cultures.

METHODS

A retrospective audit was carried out of the pre- and post-intervention periods; the intervention was the introduction of the Xpert MRSA/SA BC test.

RESULTS

In total, 88 neonates had positive blood cultures with Staphylococcus spp., comprising 42 neonates in the pre-intervention and 46 in the post-intervention groups. The pre-intervention group had a higher birth weight (1.541 kg vs. 1.219 kg, p = 0.05) and higher platelet count (288 vs. 224 × 10⁹/L, p = 0.05). There was a trend towards a shorter duration of antimicrobial therapy in term infants and in the length of admission; however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.2). All of the nine infants post-intervention with significant bacteraemia (S. aureus =3, CoNS =6) were changed to the optimal antimicrobial at the time the result was available.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the introduction of the Xpert MRSA/SA BC test can lead to a reduction in the length of admission and duration of antimicrobials in term infants; however, the difference was not statistically significant. All nine infants with clinically significant bacteraemia were treated with the appropriate antimicrobial when the Xpert MRSA/SA BC test result was available.

Outcomes of peripherally inserted double lumen central catheter in very low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVE

In order to evaluate safety and usefulness of peripherally inserted double lumen central catheter (PIDLCC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, outcomes of VLBW infants who had PIDLCC was studied.

SUBJECTIVE

Thirty-nine VLBW infants who were admitted to our NICU in 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean birth weight and gestational age was 1042.7 gram and 28.5 weeks, respectively. Total duration of indwelling PIDLCC was 1121 days (mean 28.5+18.2 days) with 85 PIDLCCs used. Dressing at the insertion site was done twice weekly with 10% povidone iodine. Four (10.3% with mean of 48 days) infants had catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI), with a 3.57 infection per 1000 catheter-day. The mean for days of PIDLCC in 35 infants without CRBSI was 26.5 days. Organisms isolated were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus capitis ureolytic. Our study showed significant difference in the duration of indwelling catheter (p = 0.023) and intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.043) between the CRBSI group and non-CRBSI group. Five (12.8%) infants had abnormal thyroid function test, in which two infants required thyroxine supplementation upon discharge. However, duration of PIDLCC and abnormal thyroid function test was not statistically significant (p = 0.218). One (2.5%) infant died (death was not related to CRBSI). There was no serious adverse effects secondary to PIDLCC.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the use and maintenance of PIDLCC is safe for VLBW infants, but close monitoring should be observed to detect early signs of infection.

Very low birthweight infants face an increased risk of bloodstream infections following the removal of umbilical catheters

AIM

This study examined whether there was a temporal association between removing umbilical catheters and bloodstream infections (BSI) in a neonatal intensive care unit, as this is an area of research that has not received sufficient attention.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective study of all neonates receiving umbilical catheters during 2011 and 2012 in the neonatal intensive care unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. The time from umbilical catheter removals to the first subsequent BSI was recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 372 infants had umbilical catheters inserted and 146 of these had a birthweight of <1500 g. Antibiotics were discontinued when umbilical catheters were removed in 67 of these low birthweight infants and 20 of them needed to be retreated for BSI within 72 hours. We found that very low birthweight infants had a significantly increased risk of developing BSI if antibiotics were discontinued at the same time as umbilical catheters were removed, rather than being continued after removal (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This NICU study demonstrated a temporal association between removing umbilical catheters and BSI in very low birthweight infants weighting <1500 g.

Outcomes associated with early removal versus retention of peripherally inserted central catheters after diagnosis of catheter-associated infections in neonates

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical outcomes and hospital resource utilization of infants who had peripherally inserted central catheters removed early versus retained following diagnosis of central line-associated bloodstream infection.

STUDY DESIGN

In a single centre retrospective cohort study, we compared outcomes of infants who had peripherally inserted central catheters removed early versus retained after diagnosis of central line-associated bloodstream infection. Mortality, cardio-respiratory deterioration, use of blood products and antibiotics were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Over a 10-year period, of the 119 eligible infants, 38 had peripherally inserted central catheters removed early and 81 had catheters retained after diagnosis of central line-associated bloodstream infection. Baseline demographics, illness severity at onset of sepsis and distribution of organisms were similar between the groups. Infants in "catheter-retained" group required longer antibiotic usage (17 ± 9 versus 13 ± 6 days; p = 0.025) and more frequent sequential positive blood cultures [31/81 (47%) versus 8/38 (22%), p = 0.014). Infants with Gram-negative bacteremia demonstrated higher mortality when catheters were retained [43% (9/21) versus 7% (1/14); p = 0.028].

CONCLUSIONS

Retaining peripherally inserted central catheters after diagnosis of central line-associated bloodstream infection was associated with longer duration of bacteremia and prolonged exposure to systemic antibiotics as well as increased mortality in Gram-negative bacteremia.

Antibiotics Before Removal of Percutaneously Inserted Central Venous Catheters Reduces Clinical Sepsis in Premature Infants

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the incidence of postcatheter removal clinical sepsis when antibiotics were infused prior to the removal of percutaneously inserted central venous catheters (PICCs).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of premature neonates (n = 196) weighing ≤1250 g at birth with 218 PICC line removals in the presence or absence of antibiotics at a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2012. Charts were reviewed looking for the presence of clinical sepsis defined as a sepsis workup including white blood cell count, differential, C-reactive protein, blood and/or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and urine cultures along with at least 48 hours of antibiotic therapy given within 72 hours after removal of a PICC line. Antibiotics were considered present at line removal if given within 12 hours before catheter removal either electively or at completion of a planned course.

RESULTS

When antibiotics were given within 12 hours before PICC line removal, only 2% of the line removal episodes (1/48) resulted in a neonate developing clinical sepsis versus 13% (21/165) when no antibiotics were given prior to removal (p = 0.03, Fisher's exact test). Despite the increased use of elective antibiotics with line removal, there was no increase in total antibiotic usage due to the overall decrease in episodes of clinical sepsis or changes in antibiogram susceptibility patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an 11% absolute decrease and a 6-fold relative decrease in postcatheter removal clinical sepsis events in premature neonates who received antibiotics prior to PICC line removal.

Reduction of catheter-related bloodstream infections in preterm infants by the use of catheters with the AgION antimicrobial system

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.

STUDY DESIGN

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.