RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Managing bloodstream infections associated with intravascular catheters
JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
JO Drug Ther Bull
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 75
OP 80
DO 10.1136/dtb.2001.391075
VO 39
IS 10
YR 2001
UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/39/10/75.abstract
AB Relevant BNF sections: 5.1, 5.2Intravascular catheters are used to give fluids and blood products, drugs and parenteral nutrition, and to facilitate haemodialysis and haemodynamic monitoring. Bloodstream infection is the commonest serious complication associated with their use, occurring in around 6,000 people each year in the UK.1 Catheter-related infection is now the most frequent cause of hospital-acquired bacteraemia in critically ill patients.2,3 Here, we review the prevention and management of such infections. We concentrate on adult patients, but many of the issues discussed will apply also to infants and children.