Usefulness of anti-infective lock solutions for catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Central venous catheters are commonly used for the administration of medications in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, but their use carries the risk of developing catheter-related bloodstream infections, increasing morbidity and mortality. Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America include use of antibiotic lock solutions as a therapeutic option for intraluminal infections when the device is difficult to remove, but these lock solutions are not indicated routinely for the prophylaxis of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Because catheter removal is not always possible in patients who require chronic catheterization or who have multiple catheters, antibiotic lock therapy can be utilized with the goal of sparing removal of the catheter while sterilizing the lumen.