Reduction of catheter-related bloodstream infections in preterm infants by the use of catheters with the AgION antimicrobial system

ObjectiveThe present study aims to assess if use of a silver zeolite-impregnated umbilical catheter (AgION technology) can decrease the occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSIs) in preterm infants.Study designInfants with gestational age < 30 weeks were randomized to receive an AgION impregnated or non-impregnated polyurethane umbilical venous catheter (UVC). The primary endpoint was the incidence of CRBSIs during the time the UVC was in place.ResultsWe studied 86 infants, 41 of whom received the AgION catheter and 45 the non-impregnated catheter. During umbilical venous catheterization 2% of infants in the AgION group developed CRBSI in comparison with 22% of infants in the control group (p = 0.005). AgION catheters were well tolerated and none of the patients showed signs attributable to silver toxicity.ConclusionsThe AgION-impregnated UVCs were effective in decreasing the development of CRBSIs in preterm infants compared to non-impregnated polyurethane UVCs.