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

• Main Authors: M. Zachariah (Author), L. Al-Yazidi (Author), W. Bashir (Author), A.H. Al Rawas (Author), Y. Wali (Author), A.V. Pathare (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2014-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1876-0341; 10.1016/j.jiph.2013.06.005
• Keywords: Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health, Vol 7, Iss 1, Pp 38-43 (2014)

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). Keywords: Acute leukemia, Infection, Culture, Catheter, Port-A-Cath, Hickman