Recognition of infection associated with intravenous catheters

Four cases are described in which the patients suffered from bacteriaemia due to infected intravenous infusions. Although all the patients were pyrexial, the white cell count was normal in all 4 cases at diagnosis and the infusion site appeared innocent. Following removal of the intravenous catheter and the institution of antibiotic therapy in each case, neutrophilia and localizing signs developed. It is stressed that a normal white cell count and an innocent appearance at the infusion site do not exclude this complication of intravenous therapy. Possible reasons for this presentation for sepsis are discussed.