Risk factors for catheter-related bloodstream infections associated with home parental nutrition in children with intestinal failure: A prospective cohort study

Background & aims: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is the most common, potentially life-threatening complication of long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). We prospectively assessed the incidence and risk factors for CRBSI in children receiving long-term home PN (HPN) for intestinal failure (IF) in a single IF rehabilitation center.

Methods: Data regarding episodes and potential risk factors for CRBSI in children on HPN were prospectively recorded.

Results: Forty-one of 75 children were diagnosed with CRBSI. The overall CRBSI rate was 1.61 per 1000 catheter days. The indications for HPN were gastrointestinal motility disorders in 35%, short bowel syndrome (SBS) in 28% graft versus host disease (GvHD) post bone marrow transplant in 17%, congenital enteropathy in 15%, and severe neurodevelopmental impairment in 5%. Gastrointestinal motility disorders had significantly higher CRBSI rate compared to other groups (p < 0.0005; 2.74 in motility group vs 1.54 in GvHD group vs 0.52 in congenital enteropathies vs 0.36 in SBS group vs 0.67 in severe neurodevelopmental delay). Multivariate analysis revealed that enterocutaneous distal stoma (ileostomy or colostomy) (HR 3.35 [95% CI, 1.63-6.86]; p < 0.001), age <2 years (HR 0.28 [95% CI, 0.15-0.53]; p < 0.0001), male sex (HR 2.28 [95% CI, 1.51-3.43]; p < 0.0001), non-use of taurolidine citrate lock (HR 2.70 [95% CI, 1.72-4.11]; p < 0.0001) and gastrointestinal motility disorder (HR 3.02 [95% CI, 1.81-4.91]; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for developing CRBSI.

Conclusions: Extra care in managing PN connections and disconnections should be taken in children with an underlying gastrointestinal motility disorder, distal enterocutaneous stoma, male sex and those aged <2 years since they are at a significantly higher risk of CRBSI. Early introduction of taurolidine lock should be considered.