"Proactive" management of percutaneously inserted central catheters results in decreased incidence of infection in the ELBW population.

OBJECTIVE

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants often acquire catheter-related infections (CRIs) when a percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) is used for parenteral nutrition or drug administration. Our objective was to compare the incidence of CRIs after we established a "PICC Maintenance Team" for the proactive management--compared to expectant management--of these lines.

STUDY

DESIGN

We did a prospective collection and analysis of catheter-related sepsis data over a 15-month period from February 1, 1998 through May 1, 1999. Eligible patients included all neonates weighing <1000 g at birth.

RESULTS

There was a significantly decreased incidence of CRIs, to a rate of 7.1%, or 5.1/1000 catheter days (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

"Proactive" management of PICC, significantly reduced the incidence of CRIs. The reduction in infection rate is estimated to save 180 hospitalized patient days/100 very low birth weight neonates, with a concomitant savings in morbidity and medical expense.