Comparison of Oligon catheters and chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges with standard catheters for prevention of catheter associated colonization and infection: one size does not fit all.

摘要

Strategies for the reduction of short-term central catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) rates have focused primarily on infection control practices in particular, insertion technique including maximal sterile barrier precautions, >0.5% chlorhexidihe in alcohol skin preparation, avoidance of the femoral site, and prompt removal when no longer required. These strategies that I would regard as "first tier" are underpinned by staff education, both medical and nursing, and when applied collectively as a "bundle" and enforced have been associated with significant reductions in the incidence of this important infection (1, 2). The role of "second-tier" interventions (antibiotic/antiseptic-impregnated catheters and chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge dressings), although still uncertain, may be considered when the rate of infection remains unacceptably high despite adherence to these measures (3).