Spectrum of external catheter-related infections in children with acute leukemia—Single-center experience

AbstractBackgroundExternal catheters (ECs) are commonly used in children who are receiving treatment for acute leukemia.AimsTo study the spectrum of microorganisms and to compare the rates of infection.MethodsA total of 42 ECs were inserted, including 28 Port-A-Caths, 11 CVC lines and 3 Hickman lines. Single ECs were required for 19 patients (45.2%), whereas 2, 3 and 4 ECs were required in 8, 1 and 1 patients, respectively.ResultsOverall, 37 culture-documented infections were present in 18 (62%) patients who had ECs. Gram-positive microorganisms were identified in 20 cases, Gram-negative microorganisms in 14 cases and fungal infections in 3 cases. Of the 42 devices implanted, 10 out of 28 Port-A-Caths (35.7%), 2 out of 3 Hickman catheters (66.7%) and 9 out of 11 central venous catheters (81.8%) required removal due to infection. The average length of working life for the ports was 330.6 days (range: 40–1043 days). The median rate of complications due to infection was 2.84 infections per 1000 catheter days (interquartile range: −1.55 to 5.8), and the number of infections was correlated with the number of ports (Pearson's r=0.51; p