Comparison of the epidemiology and microbiology of peripheral line- and central line-associated bloodstream infections.

ABSTRACT

We retrospectively studied the epidemiology and microbiology of peripheral line-associated bloodstream infection (PLABSI) in comparison with central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Among 2,208 bacteremia episodes, 106 (4.8%) PLABSI and 229 (10.4%) CLABSI were identified. In PLABSI, gram-negative rods, especially Enterobacteriaceae, were more frequently identified than in CLABSI, and infectious disease consultation was more frequently involved. The 7-day mortality rate was similar between the 2 groups, suggesting similar adverse effects of PLABSI and CLABSI on patient outcomes.