Blood products: A significant risk factor for long-term catheter-related bloodstream infections in cancer patients

Data obtained from a previous prospective randomized study in cancer patien ts conducted at our institution were analyzed to investigate risk factors f or catheter-related (CR) bloodstream infections (BSIs). Our recent analysis showed that the administration of blood products through central venous ca theters was a risk factor for CR BSI, whereas thrombocytopenia during cathe terization may have provided protection against CR BSI, as did central veno us catheter insertion under maximal sterile barrier precautions.