6.10. Skin and Soft Tissue Infection - Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infections Flashcards
What type of infection is an Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infection?
Nosocomial Infection
How does Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infections normally present?
- Initially as Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
- Can develop to Cellulitis
- Can develop even further to Tissue Necrosis
What is commonly associated with Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infections?
Associated Bacteraemia
What are the risk factors for an Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infection?
- Continuous infusion for more than 24 hours
- Cannula in situ for more than 72 hours
- Cannula in Lower Limb
- Patients with Neurological / Neurosurgical problems
What is the most common organism, with regards to Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infection?
Staphylococcus Aureus:
1. MSSA
2. MRSA
What is the normal pathway of Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infections?
- This commonly forms a Biofilm which then spills into the Bloodstream
- It can seed into other places (E.g. Endocarditis, Osteomyelitis)
How is a diagnosis of an Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infection made?
- Clinically
- Positive Blood Cultures
What is the treatment of Intravenous-Catheter Associated Infections?
- Prevention is more important (e.g. not leaving unused cannula, monitoring, aseptic techniques etc.)
- Removal of the Cannula
- Express any pus from the Thrombophlebitis
- Antibiotics for 14 days
- Echocardiogram