Effect of Targeted Single-Dose Antibiotics to Reduce the Occurrence of Pediatric Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Post Alteplase Administration.

Objective: Previous studies have shown an association between alteplase for line clearance and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of post-alteplase antibiotics as a CLABSI reduction strategy in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.

Methods: This was a single center, retrospective, observational study evaluating PICU patients from -January 1, 2014, through August 1, 2021, conducted at a tertiary academic PICU. Included in this study were critically ill patients who had 1 or more central venous lines (CVLs) requiring alteplase for line clearance. The primary objective was incidence of CLABSI occurrence post alteplase administration for CVL clearance, with or without targeted single-dose antibiotics (piperacillin-tazobactam or vancomycin) post alteplase. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of total alteplase administrations and risk factors associated with CLABSI occurrence.

Results: Two hundred fifty patients were included, with 156 receiving alteplase only, 82 piperacillin--tazobactam, and 12 vancomycin, and with median ages of 2.8, 3.8, and 3.8 years, respectively. Seven -CLABSIs occurred in the alteplase-only group, with 0 incidences in both the piperacillin-tazobactam (exact OR, 0.12; exact 95% CI, <0.01-0.59; p < 0.01) and vancomycin (exact OR, 1.20; exact 95% CI, 0.03-9.80; p = 1.00) groups. Patients in the piperacillin-tazobactam group achieved statistical significance for CLABSI risk factors that may benefit by decreasing CLABSI incidence (p values <0.01-0.02).

Conclusions: Alteplase use has been associated with CLABSIs. Providing a single dose of post-alteplase antibiotics targeting the most likely site-specific pathogens may reduce the incidence of CLABSIs.