Infections associated with peripheral venous catheters: A scoping review

Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are widely used vascular access devices and can cause significant adverse events, including bloodstream infections (BSIs).

To map the scientific literature on PVC-BSI.

A scoping review including 67 studies, from MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, EMBASE, and LILACS/BIREME, was conducted, synthesizing data on incidence rates, microbiology, risk factors, preventive strategies, and economic burden.

PVC-BSI incidence shows marked geographic and clinical variation, with rates ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 cases per 1,000 catheter-days in high-income countries, contrasting with significantly higher averages in developing regions such as Latin America (2.06) and the Middle East (2.32). Effective preventive strategies included staff education, bundle implementation, active surveillance, multimodal interventions, chlorhexidine-alcohol skin antisepsis, and use of innovative devices. Staphylococcus spp. accounted for 20% to 70.7% of infections, but the proportion of Gram-negative bacilli might be increasing. Identified risk factors included the insertion site (hand punctures were protective), parenteral nutrition, catheter gauge (larger than 16G), and material contamination. Only one study addressed costs, estimating an additional expenditure exceeding €5,000 per infected patient.

Although less frequent than central venous catheter infections, PVC-related bloodstream infections represent an important public health concern due to their widespread use. Incidence is likely underestimated because of limited reporting and variable diagnostic criteria. Standardized definitions, systematic surveillance, continued professional training, and more research-especially in low- and middle-income settings-are needed to improve prevention and management.