Outcome of central venous catheter-related bacteraemia according to compliance with guidelines: experience with 91...

Infection is a major complication associated with the use of central venous catheters. Guidelines for medical management of catheter-related bacteraemia have been published, but no study has assessed the appropriateness of physician practices.

To assess medical practices in cases of central venous catheter-related bacteraemia (CRB) in a university hospital.

Cases were recorded over a period of 12 months and their management was evaluated. All cases of positive blood cultures based on central venous catheter sampling were analysed, and episodes of CRB were determined in this group of patients. Medical management and patient outcome were analysed independently by two physicians.

In all, 187 cases of positive blood culture were recorded and 91 cases of CRB were analysed. Systemic antimicrobial therapy was optimal in 56% of the episodes. In 51 episodes, catheter salvage was attempted, for 29 with an indication in agreement with the guidelines but without antibiotic-lock therapy in 20 episodes. The overall medical management was appropriate in 41.8% of the episodes. The overall cure rate was 72.5%. CRB-related death occurred in 5.5% of the episodes. Cure was associated with guideline compliance (P = 0.03) and with adaptation of systemic antimicrobial therapy (P < 0.01). Conservative treatment success was associated with compliance with the guidelines for the indication (P = 0.01).

Medical management of CRB did not closely adhere to international guidelines. CRB outcome was associated with the appropriateness of this management, particularly when conservative treatment was attempted.