Prospective evaluation of single and triple lumen catheters in total parenteral nutrition.

The recent introduction of triple lumen catheters has facilitated the care of seriously ill patients by providing multipurpose central venous access through a single percutaneous 7 French catheter. This prospective study was performed to examine the complications associated with the use of these catheters in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Seventy-five patients undergoing catheterization were randomly separated into two groups: 36 patients underwent placement of a single lumen catheter (SLC), and 39 patients, a triple lumen catheter (TLC). The two groups were comparable with respect to concomitant infections, treatment with antibiotics, and need for intensive care. Patients in the SLC group received TPN for a mean of 9.7 days and in the TLC group, for a mean of 8.5 days (p = 0.427). However, after 5 days of catheterization, there was a marked increase in the number of TLC removed because of skin entry site infections. SLC were more likely to be used for the full duration of TPN administration (p = 0.025). Catheter tips were cultured by semiquantitative techniques. A higher incidence of catheter sepsis was seen with TLC, 12.8% vs 0% with SLC (p = 0.055). TLC used for TPN are associated with higher rates of catheter entry site infections and systemic sepsis. SLC should be used for TPN administration.