Related Experiment Videos
Use of in-line filters in pediatric intravenous therapy
F Newall1, K Ranson, J Robertson
1Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia.
Insights
Removing in-line intravenous (IV) filters for pediatric patients with central venous access devices did not increase septicemia rates. This finding supports discontinuing routine filter use, leading to significant cost savings in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Disease Control
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Extensive use of in-line intravenous (IV) filters in a pediatric hospital prompted a review.
- Central venous access devices are associated with potential infection risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of removing in-line IV filters on the incidence of septicemia in pediatric patients.
- To determine the necessity of routine IV filter use for patients with central venous access devices.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed, monitoring septicemia incidence over two 12-month periods.
- Data collected included 19,221 intravenous days across 88 pediatric patients.
- The study compared septicemia rates before and after the discontinuation of in-line IV filters.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in septicemia incidence was observed between groups with and without in-line IV filters.
- The withdrawal of routine in-line filters did not lead to an increased rate of bloodstream infections.
Conclusions:
- Routine use of in-line IV filters for pediatric patients receiving manufactured, pre-filtered intravenous fluids is not supported by evidence.
- Discontinuation of in-line IV filters resulted in substantial cost savings without compromising patient safety regarding septicemia.
Abstract:
This study arose from a need to justify the extensive use of in-line intravenous filters in an Australian pediatric teaching hospital. The incidence of septicemia was observed for two 12-month periods before and after the withdrawal of in-line i.v. filters from patients with central venous access devices. A total of 19,221 i.v. days were monitored in 88 children in two 1-year periods. No significant differences were found in the incidence of septicemia between the children who had filters fitted and those who did not. As a result, the routine fitting of filters to i.v. lines infusing fluids filtered during manufacture under a laminar flow has been discontinued with significant cost savings.