Abstract:
Introduction: Central venous catheters are critical in preterm neonatal care but increase the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The incidence of S. haemolyticus-associated CLABSIs in French neonates is increasing, but the mechanisms underlying this trend remain unclear.
Methods: We examined microorganisms in 108 central line infusion sets used in preterm infants across 12 neonatal intensive care units, and collected at the time of removal.
Results: The infusion sets varied widely in type (28 types; 1-6 parts) and length (10-180 cm, mean 52.9 cm). Contamination was detected in 24 infusion sets (22.2%), mainly by coagulase-negative Staphylococci (50.0%) and Bacillus species (41.7%). Higher contamination rates were linked to longer infusion lines (> 50 cm; p < 0.001), usage beyond 7 days (p = 0.002), and multi-line infusion systems (p < 0.001).
Discussion: Our findings are fully consistent with guidelines, which recommend simpler designs and a 4 or 7-day use of infusion sets, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these guidelines to reduce the risk of CLABSIs. Additionally, our findings raise concerns regarding the use of multi-line infusion systems. These devices, which combine extended infusion line length, manufacturer-authorized use of up to 21 days, and intermittent use of certain infusion lines, are easily contaminated during use, creating a high-risk situation for central line contamination.
Reference:Dos Santos S, Valentin AS, Farizon M, Charbonneau M, Boukhris MR, Brat R, Cazzorla F, Chauvel J, Cneude F, Coutable P, Demasure M, Duminil E, Faraut-Derouin V, Muselli MG, Gorin V, Goujon R, Guillouche-Puissant M, Hacinlioglu N, Landelle C, Lefebvre A, Leroy-Terquem E, Martinet A, Massebeuf C, Orfanos NM, Menard G, Menvielle L, Monin V, Morange V, Patkai J, Perrault N, Prat E, van der Mee-Marquet N. Infusion line contamination in preterm neonates: impact of infusion line design, length, and use duration: the multicenter ChronoBIOline study. Front Microbiol. 2025 Jan 24;15:1495568. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1495568. PMID: 39925885; PMCID: PMC11802565.