Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has gained wide acceptance as valuable adjunct in the care of critically ill patients. However, the risk of catheter-related sepsis is still of continued concern. The investigation on the current state of TPN and incidence of catheter-related sepsis was performed by the questionnaire method to 1,064 general hospitals throughout Japan in 1980. Replies submitted to the questionnaire were obtained from 569 hospitals (53.5%). Catheter-related sepsis was defined as an episode of sepsis, for which no anatomic locus could be identified, that is resolved on removal of the catheter. This time, catheter-related sepsis in pediatric patients seen in 126 hospitals was especially reviewed and analyzed. Catheter-related sepsis in 1979 was associated with 16.2% of catheters and occurred in 13.0% of patients. This incidence was little higher comparing with 11.2% in adult patients. The predominant organism of catheter-tip culture was Staph. epidermidis. The aseptic technique provided at each institution was also investigated. By this analysis, futher need for a precise protocol delivered by an experienced team is emphasized to minimize the incidence of catheter-related sepsis.
