Incidence and related factors of catheter-associated bloodstream infection in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To identify the related factors of neonatal catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI), and provide a basis for constructing a scientific and rational strategy for neonatal CABSI prevention.

Methods: CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, MEDLINE-Ovid, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched for publications on neonatal CABSI from the time the database was established until September 30, 2023. The language of publications was not specified. Unpublished reports and gray studies were excluded. All cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included. A meta-analysis of the incidence and related factors of neonatal CABSI were made using Revman software. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic method, and the publication bias was analyzed with funnel plot tests.

Results: A total of 35 studies involving 34,743 patients from 13 different countries were included. There were 15 case-control, 15 cohort, and 5 cross-sectional studies, with 14 related factors discussed. All the studies scored high (score ≥ 6) in their overall quality. According to the meta-analysis, the incidence of neonatal CABSI was 5.93/1000 catheter days (OR = 5.29). The risk factors were identified and ranked as follows according to the degree of influence: 5-minute Apgar score (OR = 4.69), the number of punctures during the stay of the line (OR = 3.49), male (OR = 3.17), mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.73), catheter repair (OR = 2.66), lower gestational age at birth (OR = 2.47), femoral vein catheter (OR = 1.92), dwell time of the catheter (OR = 1.34), and lower birth weight (OR = 1.05). Establishing sterile barrier throughout was a protective factor (OR = 0.41). Subgroup analysis suggested that the study design, catheter type and year of publication might be the primary sources of heterogeneity. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the results. However, the funnel plot indicated a potential publication bias.

Conclusion: Neonatal CABSI carries a significant morbidity rate and is influenced by numerous factors.

Implications for clinical practice: It is crucial to underscore the necessity for additional longitudinal studies to explore evidence-based approaches to lowering the risk and ultimately reducing the incidence of CABSI. Registration The study protocol has been registered with the PROSPERO: CRD42023443697.