Line-related bacteremias associated with long-term catheters (Hickman/Broviac, Groshong, pulmonary artery, and peripherally inserted central catheters) are being encountered regularly now that these catheters are used so commonly. Earlier studies indicated that these catheter-related episodes did not necessitate removing the offending line if the infecting organism was a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus organisms, 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 nonremoval, and also whether the incidence of recurrent infection with the same organism increases in patients in whom the catheter was 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. The clinical collaborators on this project have had insufficient time to continue with this investigation. This project has been discontinued.
