Risk of Infection Accompanying the Use of Single‐Lumen vs Double‐Lumen Subclavian Catheters: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract

A prospective study was undertaken to compare the risks of a multiple-lumen catheter to bilateral subclavian catheters in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). All patients had one preexisting subclavian catheter. Patients were randomized into two groups: one group received a double-lumen catheter via a guidewire change of the preexisting single-lumen subclavian catheter. In the second group, a second single-lumen subclavian catheter was inserted and the preexisting single-lumen catheter was changed over a guidewire. Patients were followed by the Nutrition Support Service and were managed identically with regard to solutions given, catheter care, dressing changes, monitoring of mechanical complications, and evaluation of fever. Total infection rates in both groups were identical (22.7%). The difference in mechanical complication rates in the double-lumen catheter group (9%) and the group with bilateral single-lumen catheters (22.7%) was not significant by Fischer's exact test. The multiple-lumen catheter is superior in convenience and as safe as bilateral single-lumen catheters. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 12:127-129, 1982)