RISK OF LOCAL AND SYSTEMIC INFECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH UMBILICAL VEIN CATHETERIZATION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN 86 NEWBORN PATIENTS

Umbilical vein catheterizations (UVC) (for fluid administration) in 86 infants were studied to determine the risk of infections associated with the procedure. Fifty-two percent of the catheters were colonized upon removal. The rate of catheter colonization was not dependent on duration of catheterization. Six infants (8%) were found to be bacteremic while the catheter was in place. In each of these patients an identical organism was isolated from the catheter. Systemic penicillin and kanamycin significantly reduced the rate of catheter colonization, particularly with pathogenic organisms, and the rate of bacteremia. Thus, the risk of local and systemic infections associated with UVC is significant and possible preventive measures are discussed.