American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Mar 2010
Comparative StudyPeripherally inserted central venous catheters in the acute care setting: A safe alternative to high-risk short-term central venous catheters.
Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) serve as an alternative to short-term central venous catheters (CVCs) for providing intravenous (IV) access in the hospital. It is not clear which device has a lower risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). We compared CVC- and PICC-related CLABSI rates in the setting of an intervention to remove high-risk CVCs. ⋯ In the presence of active surveillance and intervention to remove unnecessary or high-risk CVCs, CVCs and PICCs had similar rates of CLABSIs. Given their longer time to the development of infection, PICCs may be a safe alternative for prolonged inpatient IV access.
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Am J Infect Control · Mar 2010
Surgical site infections: Causative pathogens and associated outcomes.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and cost. Few studies have examined the causative pathogens, mortality, and economic burden among patients rehospitalized for SSIs. ⋯ SSIs caused by MRSA increased significantly and were independently associated with economic burden. Admission illness severity, transfer from another health care setting, and recent hospitalization were associated with higher mortality, increased LOS, and cost.