Increasing nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported. However, data describing peripheral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (PVC-BSI) are limited. Pianca, et al. (2024) sought to describe the epidemiology and risk factors for PVC-BSI during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected PVC-BSI data in a 2,100-bed hospital network in Switzerland. Adult patients with a PVC inserted between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021 were included. Risk factors for PVC-BSI were identified through descriptive analysis of patient and catheter characteristics, and univariable marginal Cox models.
206,804 PVCs and 37 PVC-BSI were analyzed. Most PVC-BSI were attributed to catheters inserted in the Emergency department (76%) or surgical wards (22%). PVC-BSI increased in 2021 compared to 2020 (hazard ratio 2021 vs. 2020 = 2.73; 95% confidence interval 1.19–6.29), with a numerically higher rate of Staphylococcus aureus (1/10, 10%, vs. 5/27, 19%) and polymicrobial infection (0/10, 0% vs. 4/27, 15%). PVC insertions, patient characteristics, and catheter characteristics remained similar across the study period. PVC-BSI risk was associated with admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and use of wide gauge catheter ( < = 16G).
Increased PVC-BSI during the COVID-19 pandemic was not explained by catheter or patient factors alone, and may result from system-wide changes. PVC-BSI events are primarily attributed to acute care settings, including the emergency department, surgical wards, and the ICU.
Reference: Pianca E, et al. Increase in PVC-BSI during the second COVID-19 pandemic year: analysis of catheter and patient characteristics. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control. Vol. 13, article number 120. (2024)