Background: Central venous access is a procedure commonly done in the management of critically ill patients. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used for infusion of intravenous medications and fluids, parenteral nutrition and for the measurement of hemodynamic variables. Despite the utility of CVCs, placement of these lines is not without inadvertent risks, which could be serious and life threatening. The complications vary with the type of access and can present immediately or in a delayed manner. Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted on patients admitted under the Department of Surgery at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, from November 1, 2017, till April 31, 2019. Results: The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection was more in the internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation 7.62% than the subclavian vein (SCV) cannulation 6.67%. The incidence of infection of CVC was more when the catheter was in situ for more than 14 days (15.00%) compared to when it was placed for 7–14 days (11.36%) and least when the line was placed for 7 days (3.57%). The incidence of thrombosis was found to be more in the IJV cannulation 2.86% compared to the SCV 2.22%. Conclusion: This study concluded that the catheter left in situ for more than 7 days had a higher incidence of infectious complications. Delayed complications were noted more with IJV route of cannulation compared to the SCV. Proper aseptic conditions should be followed to prevent central line infection.
Daniel et al. (Tue,) studied this question.