Tunnelled central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection in Canadian blood stem cell transplant recipients: Associated costs

Problem: Central catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)is associated with increased health care costs and patient morbidity. Thepurposeof thestudywas to estimate thedirect inpatient charges of CRBSIin Canadian blood andmarrow celltransplant recipientswith a tunnelled central venouscatheter (CVC). Method:A case-controlled comparison of patientrecordsfrom a single centre was completed. Records indicatingCRBSI were paired for comparison to patientrecords not indicatingCRBSIinthe followingdomains: length ofstay, laboratorytests, diagnostic tests, medications used, consultationsto a specialtyphysician, catheter replacement costs, and length of stayin the intensivecare unit. Results: Cases stayed on average an extra19.37days in thehospital. Extracharges for diagnosing and treating CRBSI averaged$4,739.95. Thetotal estimated burden of CRBSIin Canadian blood and marrow transplant for the 2013 fiscal year was $44,816.48perincident. Infections also reduced thelength of catheterusetime by anaverageof 18.68days