Unexpected hospital-acquired bacteraemia in patients at low risk of bloodstream infection: The role of a heparin drip

Y. Siegman-Igra, E. Jacobi, R. Lang, D. Schwartz, Y. Carmeli

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Following a cluster of cases of unexpected hospital-acquired bacteraemia suspected to be related to an intravenous (iv) heparin drip, all cases of hospital-acquired primary bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients at low risk of bacteraemia were analysed over a four-year period. Ninety-six bacteraemic patients (6%) from 1618 episodes of hospital-acquired bacteraemia had a peripheral iv line as the only risk factor. These patients were divided into two groups: 60 patients with phlebitis and 36 without local signs of inflammation. Baseline features of the two groups were comparable, but in univariate and multivariate analysis, a significant association was found between iv heparin use, predominance of Gram-negative organisms (especially Klebsiella, Serratia and Enterobacter species), and absence of phlebitis. In spite of clear statistical association, however, the means by which the heparin solution became contaminated with Gram-negative organisms remained unknown. Following implementation of infection control methods concerning heparin handling, no more cases occurred. Unexpected hospital-acquired Gram-negative bacteraemia in patients with peripheral iv lines should prompt investigation of potential infusate-related infection, especially in patients without phlebitis and those receiving iv heparin.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)122-128
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Hospital Infection
Volume60
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2005

Keywords

  • Bloodstream infection
  • Gram-negative infection
  • Heparin infusion
  • Hospital-acquired bacteraemia
  • Primary bacteraemia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Unexpected hospital-acquired bacteraemia in patients at low risk of bloodstream infection: The role of a heparin drip'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this