Current Approach for the Prevention of Central Venous Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections in Children

Central line-associated bloodstream infections are the most common and significant complications of central venous catheters. The development of central line-associated bloodstream infection in children is increasingly recognized worldwide, although it is often preventable. Guidelines recommend the application of a central catheter insertion bundle and appropriate catheter care to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections. Central catheter insertion and maintenance care bundles consist of interventions that, when used together, are effective in preventing central line associated bloodstream infections. Recent literature on central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention shows that using a care bundle approach to improve central catheter insertion and maintenance practices reduces the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections. Nurses have a direct and permanent role in the handling of central venous catheters. Therefore, they have a unique opportunity to contribute to the prevention of central line associated bloodstream infections. However, prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections is an important responsibility for nurses. The nurse's knowledge of the evidence-based recommendations plays a key role in preventing catheter-related infections. This review summarizes recent literature regarding the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections in critically ill children.