AbstractObjective:To identify risk factors and describe the microbiology of catheter exit-site and hub colonization in neonates.Design:During a period of 2 years, we prospectively investigated 14 risk factors for catheter exit-site and hub colonization in 862 central venous catheters in a cohort of 441 neonates. Cultures of the catheter exit-site and hub were obtained using semiquantitative techniques at time of catheter removal.Setting:A neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital.Results:Catheter exit-site colonization was found in 7.2% and hub colonization in 5.3%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were predominant at both sites. Pathogenic flora were found more frequently at the catheter hub (36% vs 14%;P<.05). Through logistic regression, factors associated with exit-site colonization were identified as umbilical insertion (odds ratio [OR], 8.1; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 2.35-27.6;P<.001), subclavian insertion (OR, 54.6; CI95, 12.2-244;P<.001), and colonization of the catheter hub (OR, 8.9; CI95,3.5-22.8;P<.001). Catheter-hub colonization was associated with total parenteral nutrition ([TPN] OR for each day of TPN, 1.056; CI95,1.029-1.083;P<.001) and catheter exit-site colonization (OR, 6.11; CI95, 2.603-14.34;P<.001). No association was found between colonization at these sites and duration of catheterzation and venue of insertion, physician's experience, postnatal age and patient's weight, ventilation, steroids or antibiotics, and catheter repositioning.Conclusion:These data support that colonization of the catheter exit-site is associated with the site of insertion and colonization of the catheter hub with the use of TPN. There is a very strong association between colonization at both catheter sites.
First Outbreak with MRSA in a Danish Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Risk Factors and Control Procedures