Antibiotic Impregnated Catheters
Several studies have demonstrated that using antiseptic/antibiotic impregnated CVCs can significantly reduce BSIs in short-term catheters. Although several types are available, the rifampin-minocycline and chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine impregnated catheters are the most popular. One of these catheters costs approximately three times more than a non-impregnated catheter. In addition, some concern still exists regarding whether widespread use of these catheters will increase the incidence of rifampin and minocycline resistance among pathogens, especially staphylococci. At this time, experts recommend using antibiotic impregnated catheters if the infection rate is high despite adherence to other proven strategies (i.e., education and training, maximal sterile barrier precautions, and 2% chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis).
Abbreviations
BSI = bloodstream infection
CVC = central venous catheter
