Central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection and colonisation of insertion site and catheter tip. What are the rates and risk factors in haematology patients?

Ann Hematol. 2010 Dec;89(12):1265-75

Authors: Luft D, Schmoor C, Wilson C, Widmer AF, Bertz H, Frei R, Heim D, Dettenkofer M

Skin colonisation is an important source for central venous catheter (CVC) colonisation and infection. This study intended to identify risk factors for skin colonisation prior to CVC placement (baseline colonisation) and within 10 days after CVC insertion (subsequent colonisation), for CVC-tip colonisation and for bloodstream infection (BSI). Within a randomised clinical trial, data of 219 patients with haematological malignancies and inserted CVC (with a total of 5,501 CVC-days and 4,275 days at risk) in two university hospitals were analysed. Quantitative skin cultures were obtained from the insertion site before CVC placement and at regular intervals afterwards. CVC-tip cultures were taken on CVC removal and data collection was performed. Statistical analysis included linear and logistic regression models. Age was an independent risk factor for colonisation prior to CVC placement (baseline colonisation). Independent risk factors for subsequent colonisation were baseline colonisation and male gender. High level of subsequent skin colonisation at the insertion site was a predictor of CVC-tip colonisation, and a predictor of BSI. High level of skin colonisation predicts catheter tip colonisation and possibly subsequent infection. Sustained reduction of bacterial growth at the CVC insertion site is therefore indispensable. Male patients are at particular risk for skin colonisation and may be a target population for additional insertion-site care before and during catheterisation.

PMID: 20532506 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Read more →]

Related Articles

Treatment of invasive fungal infections in cancer patients–recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO).

Ann Hematol. 2009 Feb;88(2):97-110

Authors: , Böhme A, Ruhnke M, Buchheidt D, Cornely OA, Einsele H, Enzensberger R, Hebart H, Heinz W, Junghanss C, Karthaus M, Krüger W, Krug U, Kubin T, Penack O, Reichert D, Reuter S, Silling G, Südhoff T, Ullmann AJ, Maschmeyer G

Invasive fungal infections are a main cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy regimens. Early antifungal treatment is mandatory to improve survival. Today, a number of effective and better-tolerated but more expensive antifungal agents compared to the former gold standard amphotericin B deoxycholate are available. Clinical decision-making must consider results from numerous studies and published guidelines, as well as licensing status and cost pressure. New developments in antifungal prophylaxis improving survival rates result in a continuous need for actualization. The treatment options for invasive Candida infections include fluconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B and its lipid formulations, as well as echinocandins. Voriconazole, amphotericin B, amphotericin B lipid formulations, caspofungin, itraconazole, and posaconazole are available for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Additional procedures, such as surgical interventions, immunoregulatory therapy, and granulocyte transfusions, have to be considered. The Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology here presents its 2008 recommendations discussing the dos and do-nots, as well as the problems and possible solutions, of evidence criteria selection.

PMID: 18853161 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Read more →]

Related Articles

Central venous catheter-related infections in hematology and oncology : guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO).

Ann Hematol. 2008 Nov;87(11):863-76

Authors: Wolf HH, Leithäuser M, Maschmeyer G, Salwender H, Klein U, Chaberny I, Weissinger F, Buchheidt D, Ruhnke M, Egerer G, Cornely O, Fätkenheuer G, Mousset S,

Catheter-related infections (CRI) cause considerable morbidity in hospitalized patients. The incidence does not seem to be higher in neutropenic patients than in nonneutropenic patients. Gram-positive bacteria (coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus) are the pathogens most frequently cultured, followed by Candida species. Positive blood cultures are the cornerstone in the diagnosis of CRIs, while local signs of infection are not necessarily present. Blood cultures should be taken from peripheral blood and from the venous catheter. A shorter time to positivity of catheter blood cultures as compared with peripheral blood cultures supports the diagnosis of a CRI. In many cases, a definite diagnosis requires catheter removal and microbiological analysis. The role plate method with semiquantitative cultures has been established as standard in most laboratories. Antimicrobial treatment of CRI should be directed by the in vitro susceptibility of the isolated pathogen. Primary removal of the catheter is mandatory in S. aureus and Candida infections, as well as in case of tunnel or pocket infections. Future studies will elucidate whether the rate of CRI in neutropenic patients may be reduced by catheters impregnated with antimicrobial agents.

PMID: 18629501 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Read more →]

Related Articles

Iron and thrombosis.

Ann Hematol. 2008 Mar;87(3):167-73

Authors: Franchini M, Targher G, Montagnana M, Lippi G

Although essential for cell physiology, an increase or depletion of body iron has harmful effects on health. Apart from iron deficiency anemia and iron overload-related organ tissue damage, there are increasing evidences that body iron status is implicated in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The hypothesis formulated in 1981 that iron depletion may protect against cardiovascular events is intriguing and has generated a significant debate in the last two decades. Indeed, to study this phenomenon, several investigators have tried to design appropriate experimental and clinical studies and to identify useful biochemical and genetic markers of iron status. The results of the literature on the effect of iron deficiency and overload on vascular health are critically reviewed in this study from a pathogenic and clinical point of view.

PMID: 18066546 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Read more →]