There is increasing and widespread use of central line catheterization in clinical practice. Nevertheless, there is a growing awareness and concern about the escalating rate of infection related to central lines, especially in those patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. • This paper reviews selected studies which have identified factors contributing to central line infection. • Factors relating to all areas of catheter management, including insertion, maintenance and removal have been implicated in central line infections. • Nurses who are involved to varying degrees in all phases of central line management, play an important role in infection control. • An understanding of infection-related factors is the first step needed to effect changes in procedures and protocols in the care of patients with central lines.
The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the relationship between patient-related factors and the development of central venous catheter infection. Fifty-three patients, representing 64 central lines, were followed from catheter insertion to removal. Information about the patient's age, sex, immunocompetence status, central line characteristics, medication regimen, and laboratory results was obtained. Results showed that, of these factors, only the medication regimen was a promising predictor of infection status. Patients who were receiving antibiotics during central line catheterization were at less risk of developing infection than patients who were not receiving them.
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