# The impact of a bundle for the prevention of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections in an pediatric surgery intensive care unit

## TL;DR

This study shows that using a specific bundle of infection prevention tools significantly reduces bloodstream infections in pediatric surgery intensive care units.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a CL bundle in a pediatric surgery ICU, an area with limited prior research.

## Key findings

- The CLABSI rate dropped from 11.79 to 1.61 per 1,000 CVC days after implementing the bundle.
- The reduction in CLABSI rates was statistically significant (p=0.03).
- The bundle included mechanical valve-type needle-free connectors and prefilled flushing syringes.

## Abstract

Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Central line (CL) bundles for the prevention of CLABSI are very effective, but there is a paucity of research concerning this in Pediatric Surgery Intensive Care Units (PSICU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CLB including PFS and mechanical valve type NFC in a pediatric surgery intensive care unit.

In a retrospective cross-sectional study, the CLABSI rate was compared before and after the introduction of a CL bundle including mechanical valve-type needle-free connectors and prefilled flushing syringes.

Throughout the research period, a total of 1,092 patients were hospitalized at the PSICU and a total of 142 patients (13.0%) with central venous catheter (CVC) was included. During the pre-bundle period, 6 CLABSIs were diagnosed in 509 CVC days, with an overall rate of 11.79 CLABSIs per 1,000 CVC days. After the implementation of the bundle, 1 CLABSI was diagnosed in 621 CVC days with an overall rate of 1.61 CLABSIs per 1,000 CVC days. The CLABSI rate was thus significantly lower rate in the bundle period (p=0.03).

Because the CVC bundle including mechanical valve-type needle-free connectors and prefilled flushing syringes significantly reduced the CLABSI rates in the PSICU, it should be implemented in pediatric surgical ICUs as well as ICUs for other patient groups