Reducing Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Children

Compliance with special policies for insertion and maintenance of central venous catheters was associated with a 43% reduction in the infection rate.

In recent years, the rate of catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) has dropped considerably in adult intensive care units (ICUs) as a result of widespread changes in catheter-care practices. Might such changes have a similar effect in pediatric ICUs (PICUs), where the rate of infection has historically been higher? To find out, the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions sponsored a study in 29 such units across the U.S.

Each unit developed teams consisting of a physician PICU leader and two or three additional members (e.g., quality-improvement personnel, infectious disease physicians, PICU nurses, infection-control professionals). From October 2006 through September 2007, the teams implemented t…

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

Reducing Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Children

Topics

Reviewing Author