Impact of Needle-Free Connector and Prefilled Flushing Syringe Shortage on CLABSI Rates in Pediatric Intensive Care

We aimed to discuss our experience of a higher incidence of catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) during the needle-free connector (NFC) and single-use prefilled flushing syringe (PFS) shortage.

Retrospective analyses were carried out to investigate the CLABSI rates at a tertiary training hospital from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, and the study period included a three-month shortage of NFCs and PFSs in April and June 2023.

The CLABSI rate for the three months was 5.94 per 1000 CL days from January 1 to March 31, 18.07 per 1000 CL days from April 1 to June 30, 5.42 per 1000 CL days from July 1 to September 30, and 6.52 per 1000 CL days from October 1 to December 31. Following the three-month shortage period, the rate of CLABSI significantly increased from 5.94 per 1000 CL days to 18.07 per 1000 CL days. After the shortage of needle-free connectors and single-use PFSs was resolved, the rate of CLABSI significantly decreased to 5.42 per 1000 CL days (p<0.001).

Even a three-month lack of NFC and PFS caused three-fold CLABSI. The efficacy and ongoing success of CLABSI prevention depend on maintaining the materials' continuity.