Bloodstream Infections After Removal of Infected Catheters?

A retrospective study revealed an incidence of about 1%.

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major complication in patients with central venous catheters or other vascular-access devices. A positive culture from a catheter is one of the criteria used to diagnose this condition. However, pathogens are sometimes detected in catheters removed from patients with no evidence of a BSI. The risk for developing a BSI subsequent to removal of an infected catheter is unclear.

To explore this issue, researchers in France conducted a retrospective study involving patients in their intensive care unit (ICU) who had arterial, venous, or dialysis catheters inserted and left in place >24 hours and who survived >48 hours after catheter removal. In this ICU, catheters removed for any reason are routinely cultured usin…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection