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Infectious complications during peripheral intravenous therapy with Teflon catheters: a prospective study
J S Garland1, D B Nelson, T E Cheah
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53233.
Abstract:
Infectious complication rates and associated risk factors occurring during peripheral intravenous therapy with Teflon catheters were determined during a prospective study of 286 cannula insertions. Suppurative phlebitis, cannula-related sepsis or suspected sepsis did not occur. Semiquantitative cannula cultures revealed a colonization rate of 10.4% (12 of 115). Coagulase-negative nonadherent Staphylococcus was the most common colonizing organism occurring in 10 of 12 positive catheters. Alpha Streptococcus and adherent coagulase-negative Staphylococcus colonized the remaining catheters. Colonization was not related to the rate of phlebitis, extravasation or cannulation time. No patient- or catheter-related factors increased the risk of colonization. In children in a general pediatric ward the risk of catheter colonization and subsequent sepsis should not be used as reasons for routinely removing complication-free peripheral Teflon catheters at 72 hours.
Insights
Routine removal of peripheral intravenous Teflon catheters is unnecessary. Studies show complication-free catheters in children do not require removal at 72 hours due to low colonization and sepsis risks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
- Pediatric Care
Background:
- Peripheral intravenous catheters are common in pediatric wards.
- Catheter-related infections are a concern, necessitating risk assessment.
- Teflon catheters are frequently used for peripheral intravenous therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine infectious complication rates during peripheral intravenous therapy with Teflon catheters.
- To identify risk factors associated with catheter colonization and complications.
- To evaluate the necessity of routine catheter removal at 72 hours.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 286 peripheral intravenous Teflon catheter insertions.
- Semiquantitative cultures of removed cannulas were performed.
- Infectious complications such as phlebitis and sepsis were monitored.
Main Results:
- No cases of suppurative phlebitis, cannula-related sepsis, or suspected sepsis occurred.
- Catheter colonization rate was 10.4% (12 of 115), with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus being most common.
- Colonization was not linked to phlebitis, extravasation, cannulation time, or patient/catheter factors.
Conclusions:
- Routine removal of complication-free peripheral Teflon catheters at 72 hours is not indicated in general pediatric wards.
- Low rates of colonization and absence of serious infectious complications support extended use.
- Risk of catheter colonization and sepsis should not be the sole reason for routine removal.