Pediatric cancer outpatients suffer from central-line associated bloodstream infections three times as often as pediatric cancer inpatients, according to a new study in the journal Pediatric Blood & Cancer.
The Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital study followed 319 pediatric cancer patients treated at the institution between 2009 and 2010.
Researchers found that risk factors for contracting a bloodstream infection for outpatients included having had a past infection or a recent bone marrow transplant. Children with an open line under the skin rather than an implanted line in the chest also were more at-risk for a central-line infection.
Researchers suggest that reducing central-line infections among outpatients may be possible through caregiver education for central line maintenance and care.
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