Reduced rates of catheter-associated infection by use of a new silver-impregnated central venous catheter

Infection. 1999:27 Suppl 1:S56-60. doi: 10.1007/BF02561621.

Abstract

A central venous catheter with a new form of silver impregnation of the internal and external surfaces was investigated for antimicrobial activity and tolerance in patients in a controlled comparative, prospective and randomized clinical study. Commercially available catheters with no antimicrobial activity were used as controls. One hundred sixty-five catheters were included in the final evaluation. All catheters were percutaneously inserted for the first time with a duration of > or = 5 days and a microbiological examination of the catheter tip. Catheter location (> 90% internal jugular vein), mean duration of catheterization (8-9 days), patients' age and diagnosis were comparable in both groups. Silver-impregnated catheter tips showed an incidence of colonization in 14.2/1000 catheter days and control catheters in 22.8/1000 catheter days. This represents a reduction of 37.7%. Catheter-associated infections were diagnosed in the silver group in 5.26/1000 catheter days and 18.34/1000 catheter days in the control group, indicating a reduction rate of 71.3% (P < 0.05, chi 2-test). No complications or side effects were documented in either group.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Bacterial Infections / etiology
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation
  • Equipment Contamination / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Silver*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Silver