Loading...
Catheter-related infections, particularly those associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) in intensive care unit patients, are a major cause of morbidity (80,000 infections annually in the U.S.), mortality (24,000 deaths annually), and cost (US$18,000 per infection). Precautions that significantly lower risk for infection include not using the femoral vein for CVCs, maximal sterile technique, and prompt removal of unnecessary catheters.
French investigators conducted a randomized study of whether chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges would prevent infections in 1636 ICU patients who received either arterial catheters or CVCs (3778 catheter placements). Sponges were placed over the catheter insertion sites at the time of insertion and were …