Catheter infection control in parenteral nutrition.

Abstract

Catheter sepsis rates related to total parenteral nutrition are variable and depend on several patient-specific factors. These factors include the presence of immunosuppression or critical illness, the use of multiple intravascular catheters, and bacterial translocation. Catheter-related sepsis may present in the patient as fever, chills, change in mental status, hypotension, and leukocytosis. In patients with suspected catheter-related infection whose peripheral blood cultures do not grow the same organism as a blood culture drawn from the catheter, a guidewire exchange of the catheter has been shown to be effective. This technique should be considered a surgical procedure. Complications that are associated with guidewire exchange of central venous catheters are catheter malposition, embolism of air or septic thrombi, and cardiac arrhythmias.

• Authors: S L Cahill, P N Benotti
• Journal: Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (Nutr Clin Pract) Vol. 6 Issue 2 Pg. 65-7 (Apr 1991) ISSN: 0884-5336 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1906574 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Catheterization, Central Venous (adverse effects, methods, standards)
• Cross Infection (etiology, prevention & control, therapy)
• Education, Continuing
• Humans
• Parenteral Nutrition, Total (adverse effects)