Catheter-related infection (CRI) is a serious complication of central venous catheterization. We have investigated the efficacy of a
silver-coated
polyurethane catheter (
Pellethane, Fresenius AG, Germany) in preventing CRI in oncological patients receiving
chemotherapy in a phase II study. From November 1992 through April 1994, 266 patients were assigned to receive single lumen
catheters, either standard uncoated
catheters (UC, n = 113) or
silver-coated ones (SC, n = 120).
Catheters were inserted into the internal jugular vein after institutional approval and informed consent. Duration of catheterization (UC vs. SC = 13.3 vs. 12.7 days) and
leukopenia (< 1.0 x 10(9) WBC/l; 4.3 vs. 3.6 days) were similar in both groups demonstrating a comparable risk for
infections. Skin reactions at the
catheter entry site were recorded daily. CRI and colonization rates were studied by semiquantitatively culturing intradermal and intravascular segments. CRI were confirmed by blood cultures obtained via
catheter and from peripheral veins in cases of suspected
sepsis or at the end of catheterization. No adverse effects from the
silver-coated
catheter could be observed. The bacteriological results showed that SC were colonized (> 15 CFU) in 45.1% and UC in 44.2%. CRI developed in 21.2% of the UC patients but only in 10.2% of the SC patients (p = 0.011). We conclude that this new
silver-coated
central venous catheter is biocompatible and effective in reducing the incidence of
catheter-related infections in oncological patients.