CLABSI during Neutropenia among Oncology Adults Post Chemotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) is a laboratoryconfirmed bloodstream infection where central line (CL) was in place for more than 2 calendar days on the date of event, with day of device placement being Day 1. In 2009 it was estimated that about 23,000 CLABSI in the inpatient setting in the United States would increase mortality and morbidity for patients and the health care burden for the institutions as a whole. Method: To critically examine and explore the body of knowledge regarding CLABSI among the neutropenic patients, a comprehensive literature review was conducted using the electronic databases PUBMED, OVID, Science Direct, and Springer. The following key words were used to search the electronic databases: Neutropenia, CLABSI, oncology patients. Results: Despite advancements in the treatment and supportive care of patients with cancer, neutropenia remains the major side effect of most anticancer regimens. Infections occur frequently in neutropenic patients and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, The most common sites of infection encountered in patients with neutropenia are: Respiratory tract infections occur most often followed by bacteremia. The most common organisms isolated from CLABSI are coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), and S. aureus. Other common organisms include Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Candida spp. Conclusion: CLABSI is still a major problem facing health care workers worldwide, especially among cancer neutropenic patients. Methods to decrease incidence, and prophylactic management are promising although good methods are available, the reduction in CLABSI rates will lead to decreased mortality and morbidity among the affected patients, also it will thus decrease the burden among the health institutions treating this type of hospital acquired infection.