The role of obesity in catheter-related bloodstream infection has been reported in several studies, but it is still controversial, say Wang, et al. (2022), who conducted this meta-analysis to summarize existing evidence to assess the relationship between obesity and the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

The researchers searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science for the related studies published before January 2022. Meta-analysis was performed by use of a random-effects model.

A total of five articles was included in this meta-analysis. Patients with body mass index  ≥ 25 kg/m2 had an increased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.38–2.22) in overall analysis. Further analysis indicated that patients with overweight, obesity and severely obesity were all significantly associated with a higher risk of for catheter-related bloodstream infection (OR 1.51 [1.10–2.08], OR 1.43 [1.12–1.82] and OR 2.74 [1.85–4.05], respectively).

This meta-analysis provided evidence that obesity was significantly associated with a higher risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection. Close attention should be paid to the complications and prognosis of obese patients with vascular catheterization in clinical work, the researchers say.

Reference: Wang Y, et al. Obesity and the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control. Vol. 11, article number 141 (2022).