Risk of systemic infections associated with umbilical vessel catheterization

The purpose of the present study is to determine the risk of infections associated with umbilical vessel catheterization. During a period of recent four years, 97 catheters were inserted into the umbilical vessels of 94 newborn infants in a newborn nursery. Thirty percent of the catheter tips were colonized upon removal with pathogens (11%) and contaminants. The rate of catheter colonization was not dependent on sex, gestational age, birth weight and duration of catheterization. Bacteria were isolated from blood specimen drawn via the catheter upon removal in one patient, but blood sample from peripheral artery and catheter tip yielded no organisms in this patient. One patient (1%) was found to be septicemic while the catheter was in place. Culture of the catheter tip and blood drawn via the catheter proved unreliable in the diagnosis of subsequent systemic infection. Judicious surveillance for systemic infection by peripheral blood culture is necessary.