European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are common and potentially lethal. The magnitude of the potential for Central venous catheters (CVCs) to cause morbidity and mortality resulting from infectious complications has been estimated in several studies. The majority of serious catheter-related infections are associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) especially those that are placed in patients in Intensive care units (ICUs). Some studies suggest that Silver-impregnated, attachable cuff can substantially reduce the incidence of catheter-related infection with most percutaneously inserted central venous catheters. Methodology- The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the Department of Surgery for a period of 2 years. The sample size taken for this study was of 300 patients. Patients were randomly assigned and divided into two groups (150 in each group) to undergo insertion of triple lumen central venous catheter, either in the non-modified standard version or silver impregnated. The catheter segment was transported in a sterile tube for rapid microbiological evaluation. In a suspected case of CR-BSI the CVC tip and an aseptically drawn peripheral blood sample was sent for culture to rule out the source of infection. Result- The rate of Catheter related blood stream infection in the Conventional CVC arm group was found to be 3% (n=6) or 4.3/1000 central line days while in Silver impregnated CVC arm group was found to be 3.5% (n=7) or 5/1000 central line days. The microorganisms isolated from CRBSI were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. There was no significant difference in the type of microorganism isolated from silver impregnated or conventional central venous catheters. Klebsiella pneumoniae was found sensitive to Chloramphenicol, Amikacin, Netilmicin, Piperacillin +Tazobactum, Cefoperazone +Sulbactum and Imipenem. Conclusion- There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) between the silver impregnated and the conventional triple lumen central venous catheters.