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Retained Hickman catheter cuff as a source of infection
W I al-Wali1, M H Wilcox, K J Thickett
1Department of Bacteriology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, U.K.
The Journal of Infection
|March 1, 1993
Abstract:
Two cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection complicating retained subcutaneous Hickman catheter cuffs are described. Foreign body-associated Pseudomonas infection is unlikely to respond to treatment with antibiotics alone. We therefore recommend that the cuff is removed at the same time as the Hickman catheter is pulled out so as to prevent future infection.
Insights
Retained Hickman catheter cuffs can cause Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Removing the cuff with the catheter prevents future infections, as antibiotics alone are often ineffective.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Subcutaneous Hickman catheter cuffs are used to secure the catheter and prevent infection.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Observation:
- Two cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were observed in patients with retained subcutaneous Hickman catheter cuffs.
- These infections complicated the presence of the foreign body (catheter cuff).
Findings:
- Foreign body-associated Pseudomonas infections are often resistant to antibiotic treatment alone.
- The study highlights the link between retained catheter cuffs and recurrent or difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas infections.
Implications:
- It is recommended to remove the Hickman catheter cuff simultaneously with the catheter removal.
- This practice aims to prevent the occurrence of future Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections associated with retained foreign material.
- This approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for prolonged antibiotic therapy.