Current strategies for the prevention and management of central line-associated bloodstream infections

Abstract

Central venous catheters are an invaluable tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in today’s medicine, but their use can be complicated by bloodstream infections (BSIs). While evidence-based preventive measures are disseminated by infection control associations, the optimal management of established central line-associated BSIs has been summarized in infectious diseases guidelines. We prepared an overview of the state-of-the-art of prevention and management of central line-associated BSIs and included topics such as the role of antibiotic-coated catheters, the role of catheter removal in the management, and a review of currently used antibiotic compounds and the duration of treatment.

Keywords:

• central venous catheters
• bloodstream infections
• guidelines
• prevention

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.