How Often Are Peripheral Arterial Catheters Infected?

Colonization rates were similar between CVCs and PACs, but PACs were associated with a lower rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Investigation of catheter-related bloodstream infections has focused mainly on central venous catheters (CVCs). Although peripheral arterial catheters (PACs) are also commonly used in critically ill patients, the incidence of infections associated with these devices is unclear. Now, in a 24-month prospective cohort study involving 662 adult and pediatric patients (252 patients with a total of 321 PACs; 410 with 618 CVCs), researchers have investigated colonization and device-associated bloodstream-infection rates at an Australian teaching hospital.

PACs and CVCs were left in place for an average of 3.4 and 6.5 days, respectively, representing 1082 and 4040 catheter days. The microorganisms responsible for PAC colonization were coagulase-nega…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection