Prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter-related infections in very low-birth-weight infants by using a central line bundle guideline with a standard checklist

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of using a central line bundle (CLB) guideline with a standard checklist in the prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related infections (CRIs) in very low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs).MethodsFifty-seven VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion at a hospital in Qingdao, China, between November 2012 and June 2013, were monitored with the CLB guideline and a standard checklist. Fifty-three VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion were monitored by standard hospital procedures. The incidence of CRIs was compared between the two groups.ResultsThe incidence of infection significantly decreased from 10.0%catheter days in the control group to 2.2% catheter days in the study group (p < 0.05). The indwelling catheter time significantly increased in the study group compared to the control group (31.9 ± 15.0days vs. 24.8 ± 7.4 days, respectively, p < 0.05). Colonization infections also decreased from 6.9% catheter days in the control group to 2.2% catheter days in the study group (p < 0.05The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections decreased from 3.1% catheter days in the control group to 0% catheter days in the study group.ConclusionThe use of a CLB guideline with a standard checklist could be an effective and feasible protocol for preventing CRIs and prolonging indwelling catheter timein VLBWIs.