Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheters are critical in preterm neonatal care but increase the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The incidence of S. haemolyticus-associated CLABSIs in French neonates is increasing, but the mechanisms underlying this trend remain unclear. METHODS: We examined microorganisms in 108 central line infusion sets used in preterm infants across 12 neonatal intensive care units, and collected at the time of removal. RESULTS: The infusion sets varied widely in type (28 types; 1-6 parts) and length (10-180 cm, mean 52.9 cm). Contamination was detected in 24 infusion sets (22.2%), mainly by coagulase-negative Staphylococci (50.0%) and Bacillus species (41.7%). Higher contamination rates were linked to longer infusion lines (> 50 cm; p < 0.001), usage beyond 7 days (p = 0.002), and multi-line infusion systems (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Our findings are fully consistent with guidelines, which recommend simpler designs and a 4 or 7-day use of infusion sets, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these guidelines to reduce the risk of CLABSIs. Additionally, our findings raise concerns regarding the use of multi-line infusion systems. These devices, which combine extended infusion line length, manufacturer-authorized use of up to 21 days, and intermittent use of certain infusion lines, are easily contaminated during use, creating a high-risk situation for central line contamination.