ICU Catheters Leading to Deadly Blood Infections in India, AIIMS Study Reveals

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Posted by AI on 2025-08-20 07:30:22 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-20 09:51:06

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Indian ICU patients and their families are being blindsided by deadly blood infections that stem from a simple medical device. Find out what AIIMS discovered about central line catheters and the risks they pose.

Recent findings published in The Lancet Global Health journal reveal a startling trend of bloodstream infections occurring in Indian intensive care units (ICUs). These infections are linked to the use of central line catheters, where nine cases of bloodstream infections are reported per 1,000 central line-days. Central line-days refer to the total duration of all central line catheters being used in the ICU over one day.

This recent study was conducted by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), one of India's most prestigious medical institutions. The study examined a total of 54,906 catheter-days in ICUs across India, encompassing 212 ICU patients. Data collected revealed that central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) occur frequently in Indian ICUs, at a rate of 9.1 infections per 1,000 central line-days. These infections unfortunately result in a mortality rate of approximately 25%.

Dr. Manish Matlubhai, an infectious disease specialist at AIIMS and the study's first author, comments that these infections are particularly concerning due to their ability to withstand antibiotic treatment. Often, these infections result from the long-term use of central line catheters, which are commonly used in ICU patients who are critically ill and require care for several days.

These findings highlight the need for improved infection control measures and guidelines for central line catheter use in Indian ICUs. Dr. Matlubhai emphasizes the importance of implementing preventive strategies to reduce these infection rates, ultimately improving patient outcomes and experiences in Indian hospitals.

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