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Updated: May 4, 2026

A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Going with the flow or swimming against the tide: should children with central venous catheters swim?
Jessica Miller1, Meghan K Dalton, Christopher Duggan
1Kathleen M. Gura, FASHP, FPPAG, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Nutrition Service, Division of GI/Nutrition, Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Insights
Swimming with central venous catheters (CVCs) poses infection risks for children on home parenteral nutrition (PN). Limited data prevents firm recommendations, but caution is advised due to potential pathogens in water.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care
- Infectious diseases
- Medical device safety
Background:
- Children requiring long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) rely on central venous catheters (CVCs).
- Recreational swimming is common for children but may pose infection risks for those with CVCs.
- Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a concern with CVC immersion in water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on infection risks for pediatric patients with CVCs who swim.
- To assess consensus among home PN (HPN) programs regarding swimming with CVCs.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 45 articles was conducted.
- A survey of 16 pediatric HPN programs was performed regarding swimming and CVCs.
Main Results:
- Limited data exists to make a definitive recommendation on swimming with CVCs.
- Pathogens are present in recreational water, even chlorinated pools.
- Practitioners can educate parents on risks, but the decision remains with them.
Conclusions:
- Due to limited evidence and potential risks, a strong recommendation cannot be made.
- Parents should be informed of risks; if swimming, use protective products and change dressings post-swim.
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for swimming with CVCs.
Abstract:
Children who require long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) have central venous catheters (CVCs) in place to allow the safe and effective infusion of life-sustaining fluids and nutrition. Many consider recreational swimming to be a common part of childhood, but for some, the risk may outweigh the benefit. Children with CVCs may be at increased risk of exit site, tunnel, and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) if these catheters are immersed in water. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature regarding the risk of infection for patients with CVCs who swim and determine if there is consensus among home PN (HPN) programs on this controversial issue. A total 45 articles were reviewed and 16 pediatric HPN programs were surveyed regarding swimming and CVCs. Due to the limited data available, a firm recommendation cannot be made. Recreational water associated outbreaks are well documented in the general public, as is the presence of human pathogens even in chlorinated swimming pools. As a medical team, practitioners can provide information and education regarding the potential risk, but ultimately the decision lies with the parents. If the parents decide swimming is worth the risk, they are encouraged to use products designed for this use and to change their child's dressing immediately after swimming. Due to our experience with a fatal event immediately after swimming, we continue to strongly discourage patients with CVCs from swimming. Further large and well-designed studies regarding the risk of swimming with a CVC are needed to make a strong, evidence-based recommendation.
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