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Absence of bacteremia after fiberoptic bronchoscopy
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|January 11, 1975
Summary
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in lung cancer patients did not lead to bacteremia, even when bacteria were found in respiratory samples. Blood cultures remained sterile, indicating the procedure is safe regarding bloodstream infections.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a common diagnostic tool for lung cancer.
- Concerns exist regarding potential infection transmission during the procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of bacteremia following fiberoptic bronchoscopy in lung cancer patients.
- To determine if bacteria in respiratory samples lead to bloodstream infections.
Main Methods:
- 43 afebrile lung cancer patients underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
- Blood cultures were collected pre-procedure, immediately after, and 30 minutes later.
- Bronchoscopic washings and translaryngeal aspirates were also cultured.
Main Results:
- Bacteria were isolated from all bronchoscopic washings.
- The majority of translaryngeal aspirates yielded bacteria.
- All blood cultures were consistently sterile.
- No patients developed fever or signs of infection within 24 hours post-procedure.
Conclusions:
- Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in afebrile lung cancer patients does not appear to cause bacteremia.
- The presence of bacteria in respiratory samples does not translate to bloodstream infection after this procedure.
- The procedure is safe concerning the risk of developing infection.