Spectrum of external catheter-related infections in children with acute leukemia-Single-center experience

M. Zachariah*, L. Al-Yazidi, W. Bashir, A. H. Al Rawas, Y. Wali, A. V. Pathare

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: External catheters (ECs) are commonly used in children who are receiving treatment for acute leukemia. Aims: To study the spectrum of microorganisms and to compare the rates of infection. Methods: A total of 42 ECs were inserted, including 28 Port-A-Caths, 11 CVC lines and 3 Hickman lines. Single ECs were required for 19 patients (45.2%), whereas 2, 3 and 4 ECs were required in 8, 1 and 1 patients, respectively. Results: Overall, 37 culture-documented infections were present in 18 (62%) patients who had ECs. Gram-positive microorganisms were identified in 20 cases, Gram-negative microorganisms in 14 cases and fungal infections in 3 cases. Of the 42 devices implanted, 10 out of 28 Port-A-Caths (35.7%), 2 out of 3 Hickman catheters (66.7%) and 9 out of 11 central venous catheters (81.8%) required removal due to infection. The average length of working life for the ports was 330.6 days (range: 40-1043 days). The median rate of complications due to infection was 2.84 infections per 1000 catheter days (interquartile range: -1.55 to 5.8), and the number of infections was correlated with the number of ports (Pearson's r= 0.51; p<. 0.05).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-43
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Infection and Public Health
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2014

Keywords

  • Acute leukemia
  • Catheter
  • Culture
  • Hickman
  • Infection
  • Port-A-Cath

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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