The study analyzed predictors of catheter-related bloodstream infections in 1,800 children treated at Hopkins over six years. The children cumulatively underwent more than 2,590 catheter insertions, which resulted in a total of 116 infections.
Researchers found one strong predictor of infection was length of use. Children whose devices remained in for three weeks or longer were 53 percent more likely to get a bloodstream infection, compared with those with shorter catheter times. Researchers also discovered children who got received catheters for IV nutrition or children in intensive care units were at much higher risk of obtaining an infection.
Read the news release about CLABSI in children.
Read other coverage about CLABSI:
– Consumer Reports Poll: High Public Concern About Hospital-Acquired Infections
