Objectives: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of silver-impregnated central venous catheters (CVCs) in preventing catheter bacterial colonization and catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs).
Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched up to April 30, 2014. Studies in which other antiseptic reagents were used (e.g., chlorhexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride, urokinase rinses, benzalkonium chloride, rifampin-minocycline) were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Tests of heterogeneity and publication bias were performed.
Results: Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies enrolled a total of 2854 patients; 1440 received a standard CVC and 1414 received a silver-impregnated CVC. No significant difference in catheter bacterial colonization rates was found between silver-impregnated and standard CVCs (OR 0.907, 95% CI 0.758-1.087, p=0.290). No significant difference in CRBSI rates was found between silver-impregnated and standard CVCs (pooled OR 0.721, 95% CI 0.476-1.094, p=0.124). No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was noted.
Conclusions: Silver-impregnated CVCs are not associated with reduced rates of bacterial colonization or CRBSI.
Keywords: Bacterial colonization; Catheter-related blood stream infection; Central venous catheter; Meta-analysis; Silver.
Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.