Line-related bacteremias associated with long-term catheters (Hickman/ Broviac, Groshong, pulmonary artery catheter, and peripherally inserted central catheter) are being encountered regularly now that these catheters are so commonly used. Earlier studies indicated that these catheter- related episodes did not necessitate removing the offending line if the infecting organism was a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, most commonly S. epidermidis. Antibiotic treatment, with the line left in place, generally eradicated the organism. For other organisms, however, particularly gram-negative rods, this issue has not yet been resolved. We would like to examine whether removal of the catheter results in more reliable initial clearance of the gram-negative rod than non-removal does, and also whether the incidence of recurrent infection with the same organism increases in patients in whom the catheter is left in place. Approximately 70 episodes of catheter-related gram-negative bacteremia seen over the past 2.5 years are being examined to determine whether there are any significant differences between patients with catheters removed and those with catheters left in place. Data on these patients is still being organized and reviewed. It is likely that more patients will need to be accrued in order to have statistically evaluable findings. This work is still in progress.
