Abstract
The majority of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are associated with central venous catheter in serious patients. The CRBSI is an important issue for the control of infection in hospitals. The use of catheters coated on the external surface with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine (ARROWgard Blue® Catheters, Arrow international) significantly reduced the risk for catheter colonization and CR-BSI compared with standard noncoated catheters. Although rare, anaphylaxis has been reported with the use of these chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters, and a patient allergic to chlorhexidine should not be exposed to chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine-impregnated catheters. The actual risk of anaphylaxis is likely quite small with the estimated prevalence of 0.005% or 1/415,000 (0.0002%) . Concern has been expressed with regard to the potential risk (anaphylaxis) , but the catheter should be effective to reduce CRBSI in patients who need central venous catheter in ICU.
