Subclavian Vein Catheterization and Infection: A Bacteriological Study of 130 Catheter Insertions

Abstract

The nature, frequency and significance of bacterial growths from catheter cultures in 130 subclavian vein catheterizations were studied. 64 catheters were inserted in non-infected patients (group A), and 66 catheters in infected patients (group B). No relevant catheter growth was observed in group A. In a part of group B (58 catheters), comparable with group A as regards duration of catheterization, relevant growth was observed in 6 cases (10%) and probably relevant growth in 11 cases (19%). The difference between the groups studied is significant (P < 0.05). In the total group B, relevant growth was observed in 9 cases (14%) and probably relevant growth in 14 cases (21%). The duration of catheterization in the 9 cases with relevant growth was significantly longer than in the other 57 cases (P < 0.01). In 2 of the 9 cases, despite adequate antibiotic therapy, sepsis was not eliminated until catheters were removed. It is concluded that the risk of infection when percutaneous subclavian catheters are inserted in non-infected patients is negligible, but that the risk is appreciable if the patients are infected before catheter insertion. In infected patients, infection of catheters and duration of catheterization are correlated. No such correlation was found in non-infected patients.