The Relationship Between Parenteral Nutrition and Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) administered via central venous catheter has been identified as an independent risk factor for central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The aim of this study was to provide an updated description of the relationship between PN and CLABSI and assess temporal trends in CLABSI rates for individuals who received PN from 2009–2014, after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid declared CLABSI a “never event.” Methods: Using data obtained from all adult patient discharges between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, from 2 affiliated hospitals in a large health system in New York City, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the relationship between PN and CLABSIs as well as temporal trends. Results: Among 38,674 patients with central lines, 3517 developed CLABSIs and 767 patients were prescribed PN. PN was an independent risk factor for developing CLABSI among our patients (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.20–3.19). The incidence of CLABSI among patients who were prescribed PN was not significantly different across the years of this study, even after adjusting for severity of illness. Conclusion: PN remains a significant risk factor for CLABSIs; further work is needed to identify effective strategies to reduce rates of CLABSI among patients receiving PN.