Epidemiology, medical outcomes and costs of catheter-related bloodstream infections in intensive care units of four European countries: literature- and registry-based estimates

Despite high incidence rates, little information is available on the burden of illness of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in Europe. A review of the available data was performed to estimate the clinical outcomes and costs associated with CRBSIs during intensive care unit (ICU) stays in four European countries (France, Germany, Italy and the UK). Based on these data we have estimated the CRBSI-related mortality and the annual costs associated with CRBSIs in the aforementioned countries. Results show large variation between countries: 1.12-4.2 CRBSI per 1000 catheter days, 8400-14400 CRBSIs episodes per year, 1000-1584 deaths per year, 15 960-201 600 ICU days caused by CRBSIs and (sic)35.9 to (sic)163.9 million associated costs. Discrepancies are mainly explained by the heterogeneous quality of epidemiological studies, as well as the variety of national clinical practices. (C) 2009 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.