Vascular catheter-related infection claims to health insurance company: often preventable

Using the main French health insurance company database over a 10-year period, the preventability of catheter-related infections of patients who claimed compensation after prosecution was reviewed by a panel expert. They occurred in 71 patients with few co-morbidities or risk factors for nosocomial infection and were mainly related to the use of a peripheral vascular catheter (42 cases) and due to Staphylococcus aureus (51 cases). Forty-two infections were considered to be preventable. Infections due to peripheral venous catheters were significantly more often preventable than those due to central ones (p < 0.05). We conclude that catheter-related infections perceived by patients and the justice system as not related to unforeseeable medical complications are mainly peripheral catheter infections due to S. aureus and might be an appropriate target for new preventive strategies.