Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2021 Dec;28(3):133-143. 10.14776/piv.2021.28.e18.

Analysis of Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection among Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Single Center Study

• Kim M
• Choi S
• Jung YH
• Choi CW
• Shin Mj
• Kim ES
• Lee H

• KMID: 2549061
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2021.28.e18

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), evaluate the patients' clinical characteristics, and identify the etiologic agents for guidance in prevention and treatment.
Methods
A retrospective chart review study of infants classified as having CLABSI was conducted at the NICU of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020.
Results
Of the 45 infants, 53 had CLABSIs within a follow-up period of 18,622 catheter days. The incidence of CLABSIs was 2.85 per 1,000 catheter days. The most common catheter type was a peripherally inserted central catheter (n=47, 81%). A total of 57 pathogens were isolated, of which 57.9% (n=33) were Gram-positive bacteria, 36.8% (n=21) were Gramnegative bacteria, and 5.3% (n=3) were Candida spp. The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (n=12, 21%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=12, 21%), followed by Klebsiella aerogenes (n=8, 14%). The median duration of bacteremia was 2 days, and 19 episodes showed bacteremia for 3 days or more. The mortality rate of infants within 14 days of CLABSI was 13.3% (n=6).
Conclusions
This study analyzed the incidence of CLABSI and the distribution of pathogens in the NICU. Continuous monitoring of CLABSI based on active surveillance serves as guidance for empiric antibiotic use and also serves as a tool to assess the necessity for implementation of prevention strategies and their impact.

Keyword

Catheter-related infection; Central venous catheters; Intensive care units; Bacteremia; Neonatal sepsis