Study of central line-associated bloodstream infections in intensive care unit: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) is a primary blood stream infection in a patient that had a central line within the 48-hour period before the development of bacteraemia and is not related to an infection at another site. It is often associated with serious infectious complications resulting in significant morbidity, increased duration of hospitalization and additional medical costs. Objective: We aimed to study the course of infection, microbiology of CLABSI, & to identify the degrees of severity of sepsis associated with CLABSI. Materials & Methods: Patients admitted in Intensive care units who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Various demographic, microbial and patients characteristics were noted along with outcome using a prestructured proforma. Results: We studied 58 patients in ICU in which males were common, Sepsis seen in 43% of patients, 37% had Staph. Aureus, and the mortality was 24.1%. Conclusion: CLABSI infection is best prevented rather than cured. It has mortality as high as 24.13%. It can manifest with varying degrees of severity of sepsis. Organ Dysfunction, multi organ involvement, TLC abnormalities, Oliguria, altered mental status, Hypotension are all markers of poor prognosis. More scientific data on the subject is required to formulate guidelines and protocols for prevention and treatment of CLABSI.