[Venous catheter-related infections]

Abstract

Central venous catheter-related infections can lead to a substantial increase in morbidity and mortality in patients. Nowadays, with the increase in multi-resistant bacteria, the recent appearance of new antibiotics, and the development of new treatment guidelines, means that this has to be constantly reviewed. The objective of this review is to briefly define the epidemiological and pathogenic concepts and to look in detail at the preventive and therapeutic measures of this type of infection. Practical aspects are presented of different clinical situations such as, antibiotic-lock of the central venous catheter, and the withdrawal or maintenance of the catheter.