Catheter-Related Infections in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Central venous catheters (CVCs) play a major role in the management of high-risk patients, particularly cancer patients, and are mainly used for the administration of anticancer agents, antibiotics, and blood products. Catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) rates are influenced by patient-related factors, such as type and severity of the illness, by catheter-related factors, and institutional factors (e.g., bed size and academic affiliation). Catheter-related infections could be local, such as exit site, tunnel, and pocket infections; or systemic such as catheter-related bloodstream infection. Many diagnostic methods have been developed, some of which require catheter removal, whereas others do not. Strategies for prevention and management of CRBSI are presented in this chapter.