Do Antibiotic-Impregnated Catheters Prevent Bloodstream Infections in Children?

Use of central venous catheters impregnated with antibiotics did not reduce the time to first bloodstream infection, but it did lower the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Incorporating antibiotics or heparin into central venous catheters reduces central line bloodstream infections in adults. To determine if similar devices are effective in children, U.K. investigators conducted a randomized controlled trial (CATCH) involving 1485 children at 14 pediatric intensive care units who were expected to need a central venous catheter for at least 3 days.

Patients were randomized to receive one of three types of catheters — a standard catheter, a catheter impregnated with heparin, or a catheter impregnated with minocycline and rifampicin antibiotics — and were followed from 48 hours after randomization until 48 hours after catheter removal or death.

The time to first bloodstream infection (the primary outcome) was simi…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Do Antibiotic-Impregnated Catheters Prevent Bloodstream Infections in Children?

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Reviewing Author