Protocollo per la prevenzione, diagnosi e terapia delle infezioni associate a cateteri venosi centrali.

Insertion in patients of central venous catheters (CVCs) is a leading cause of nosocomial infection resulting in increased morbidity and hospital costs. Among the proposed strategies to control this ever increasing problem, an educational campaign focused on preventive measures and well defined rules for catheter insertion, use and care as well as on a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these device-related infections certainly represents a fruitful approach. The protocol for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CVCs-associated infections here proposed intends to provide a useful tool to face and, at least partially, solve this serious health problem.