Catheters are the leading source of bloodstream infections for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Comprehensive unit-based programs have proven to be effective in decreasing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs). ICU rates of CR-BSI higher than 2 per 1,000 catheter-days are no longer acceptable.
The locally adapted list of preventive measures should include skin antisepsis with an alcoholic preparation, maximal barrier precautions, a strict catheter maintenance policy, and removal of unnecessary catheters. The development of new technologies capable of further decreasing the now low CR-BSI rate is a major challenge.
Recently, new materials that decrease the risk of skin-to-vein bacterial migration, such as new antiseptic dressings, were extensively tested. Antimicrobial-coated catheters can prevent CR-BSI but have a theoretical risk of selecting resistant bacteria. An antimicrobial or antiseptic lock may prevent bacterial migration from the hub to the bloodstream.
Jean-Francois Timsit, of Medical Polyvalent Intensive Care Unit, University Joseph Fourier, Albert Michallon Hospital in France, and colleagues, conducted a review the available knowledge about these new technologies. Their paper was printed in Annals of Intensive Care 2011.
Reference: Jean-Francois Timsit, Yohann Dubois, Clemence Minet, Agnes Bonadona, Maxime Lugosi, Claire Ara-Somohano, Rebecca Hamidfar-Roy and Carole Schwebel. New materials and devices for preventing catheter-related infections. Annals of Intensive Care 2011, 1:34 doi:10.1186/2110-5820-1-34.
Understanding Infection Risks for Patients With Diabetes During Diabetes Awareness Month
November 30th 2023Diabetes Awareness Month in November highlights the heightened susceptibility of diabetes patients to infections. Explore the key reasons behind their increased infection risk and the importance of infection prevention.
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November 30th 2023Diabetes Awareness Month in November highlights the heightened susceptibility of diabetes patients to infections. Explore the key reasons behind their increased infection risk and the importance of infection prevention.
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