Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the risk factors for catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) in neonates.
Method and results: Fifteen episodes of CABSI occurred in 108 central catheters over a period of one year (2002). The univariate analysis risk factors were birth weight (1.064 vs 1.413 g; P<0.001), gestation age (28 vs 31 weeks; P<0.001), blood transfusion (8/15 vs 3/34; P<0.01), corticosteroids (7/15 vs 3/34; P<0.01), nasal CPAP duration (13.6 vs 2 days; P<0.01). Nasal CPAP duration was the only risk factor independently associated with CASBI (OR=1.2, 95% confidence interval=1.09-1.5) in the multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Conclusions: The risk of infection associated with low birth weight is multifactorial suggesting that host-related factors are important. Prevention remains difficult and a policy of strict aseptic catheter care must be promoted.