Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes and human retrovirology : official publication of the International Retrovirology Association
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J. Acquir. Immune Defic. Syndr. Hum. Retrovirol. · Mar 1998
Nontunneled central venous catheters in patients with AIDS are associated with a low infection rate.
Patients with AIDS frequently require long-term central venous access devices for intravenous (IV) therapy. We reviewed the medical records of all HIV-infected patients at a single large urban hospital who had a central venous catheter (CVC) placed during a 1-year period to assess the overall complication rate, infection rate, and the microbiology of infectious complications. One hundred fifty-six catheters were inserted in 87 patients for 11,041 catheter days. ⋯ None of the following parameters was associated with an increased infection rate: HIV risk factor, indication for catheter, medications received via catheter, number of catheter ports, anatomic site of catheter insertion, or the presence of neutropenia. NT-CVCs were associated with low complication and infection rates that were comparable with historical rates seen in AIDS patients with tunneled and totally implantable central venous access devices. NT-CVCs may be a safe, cost-effective alternative to other central venous access devices in patients with HIV/AIDS.