Catheter-related bloodstream infections can be complicated to manage, but a growing body of evidence supports specific recommendations. In 2009, the Infectious Diseases Society of America published updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of all intravascular catheter-related infections. Here we provide a focused review on the management of bloodstream infections in adult patients wi...

CONTEXT A recent randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis indicated that central venous catheters impregnated with an antiseptic combination of chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine are efficacious in reducing the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI); however, the ultimate clinical and economic consequences of their use have not been formally evaluated. OBJECTIVE ...

Obtaining central venous access is one of the most commonly performed procedures in hospital settings. Multiple devices such as peripherally inserted central venous catheters, tunneled central venous catheters (eg, Hohn catheter, Hickman catheter, C. R. Bard, Inc, Salt Lake City UT), and implantable ports are available for this purpose. The device selected for central venous access depends on t...

Objective: To determine whether high concentrations of antibiotic “locked” into a central venous catheter with heparin would retain sufficient antimicrobial activity to inhibit the growth of organisms commonly causing catheter-related infections in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Cefazolin, vancomycin, ceftazidime (all at final concentrations of 10 mg/mL), and gentamicin (final conce...