The Effects of Different Central Venous Line Dressing Changes on Bacterial Growth in a Pediatric Oncology Population

Abstract

Central venous lines are now common in children who need a permanent form of intravenous access. These lines frequently become infected. This study compared the effects of different antiseptics (Hibiclens [chlorhexadine 4%; Stuart Pharmaceutical, Wilmington, DE] and Betadine [povidone-iodine, Clini Pad Corp, Guilford, CT]) used to clean the skin as well as the dressings used to cover the exit site (Tegaderm [3-M Medical-Surgical Division, St Paul, MN] and gauze) on microorganism growth on the skin in a pediatric oncology population. Sixty subjects were recruited from the oncology and bone marrow transplant units of Children's Hospital in Boston, MA. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of four dressing groups. These included: 1, Betadine and Tegaderm; 2, Betadine and gauze; 3, Hibiclens and Tegaderm; and 4, Hibiclens and gauze. Dressings were done on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday basis. Quantitative cultures were obtained before the first and after the fifth dressing changes. There were no significant differences in incidence of bacterial growth between dressing groups (F = 1.05, P = .377). Redness (F = 3.01, P = .037) and swelling (F = 2.75, P = .051) were more frequently seen in Betadine groups. Boys were more often infected than girls. (Chi 2 = 4.075, P = .044).