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Utilizing a line maintenance team to reduce central-line-associated bloodstream infections in a neonatal intensive care unit

Journal of Perinatology volume 32, pages 281–286 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the association of a central-line maintenance team on the incidence of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Study Design:

Central line maintenance in the NICU was limited to a line team starting in March 2008. CLABSI rates were determined before (December 2006 to February 2008) and after implementation of the line team ( March 2008 to August 2010) utilizing consistent National Healthcare Safety Network definitions. Rates were calculated by birth weight categories and overall. Data analysis was performed by two-proportion t test using Minitab.

Result:

Overall CLABSI decreased by 65% after implementation of the line team. Pre intervention, mean overall CLABSI rate was 11.6 /1000, as compared with 4.0/1000 after intervention (P<0.001). Birth-weight-specific CLABSI rates also decreased significantly. Decreased infection rates were sustained over time.

Conclusion:

A line team provided for standardized, consistent central-line maintenance care leading to a significant, sustained decrease in CLABSI in a NICU.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Kathy Masters MSRD, Kathy Luther RN, MPM and Amit Pazgal, PhD for their assistance in data analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    G Holzmann-Pazgal, A M Khan & S E Denson

  2. Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA

    A Kubanda, K Davis & K Brumley

Authors
  1. G Holzmann-Pazgal
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  2. A Kubanda
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  3. K Davis
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  4. A M Khan
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  5. K Brumley
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  6. S E Denson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G Holzmann-Pazgal.

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Competing interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Presented in Part at the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America National Conference, 2009.

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Holzmann-Pazgal, G., Kubanda, A., Davis, K. et al. Utilizing a line maintenance team to reduce central-line-associated bloodstream infections in a neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinatol 32, 281–286 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.91

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