Review of recommendations to prevent and reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections

We sought to review studies regarding interventions to prevent or reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).

 CRBSIs are associated with peripheral and central intravenous catheters, including nontunneled central catheters, tunneled central catheters, peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC), totally implanted intravascular access devices (ports), pulmonary artery catheters, and arterial lines. CRBSIs constitute one of the most frequent complications of intravenous catheters. Infections can be reduced by applying recommendations concerning CRBSIs prevention.

Articles published between 2010 and 2022 were searched out in databases PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, SID, Scopus, IRANDOC, and Magiran using the keywords “prevention”, “bacteremia”, and “catheter-related bloodstream infection” and their Persian equivalents. Original articles and systematic reviews in Persian and English on CRBSI prevention that were published in reliable scientific databases from 2010 to 2022 and had available full texts were selected. The primary research yielded 324 articles via title and abstract reviews and in some cases, full-text perusal. Ultimately, 10 articles fulfilling the research purpose of the present study were reviewed.

According to the articles reviewed herein, medical centers should lessen CRBSIs incidence by educating healthcare personnel regarding intravascular catheter-use indications, proper intravascular catheter insertion procedures, and appropriate infection-control measures. Additionally, they should periodically assess healthcare personnel’s knowledge of and adherence to guidelines vis-à-vis intravascular catheter insertion and maintenance.

It is advisable that healthcare personnel’s knowledge of and adherence to the latest guidelines concerning CRBSIs prevention be continually monitored and enhanced.