Catheter-related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit

Background

In ICUs, physicians insert many central venous catheters every year. Central venous catheters allow measurement of hemodynamic variables, delivery medications, hemodialysis and nutritional support. Unfortunately, catheter-related bloodstream infections are common, costly, and potentially lethal. Infection complication is reported to occur in 5–26% of patients.

Objectives

To identify rates of catheter-related infection in ICU patients. To identify whether catheter-related infection prolongs the time of hospitalization in the ICU.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with catheter-related infection was performed, including 132 patients admitted to the ICU. All patients with catheter-related infection were identified regardless of the diagnosis at ICU admission.

Results

The average age was 58.27 years, 58% were male. Thirty-two patients (24.24%) had catheter-related bloodstream infection. The medium time of ICU stay in the infection group was 23.96 days against 12.18 days in the control group.

Conclusion

The use of central venous catheters was associated with bloodstream infection and was hazardous to patients. In these patients, catheter-related infection prolongs hospitalization in the ICU.