Patient factors and central line infection.

The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the relationship between patient-related factors and the development of central venous catheter infection. Fifty-three patients, representing 64 central lines, were followed from catheter insertion to removal. Information about the patient's age, sex, immunocompetence status, central line characteristics, medication regimen, and laboratory results was obtained. Results showed that, of these factors, only the medication regimen was a promising predictor of infection status. Patients who were receiving antibiotics during central line catheterization were at less risk of developing infection than patients who were not receiving them.