Intravascular cannula-related sepsis: two years experience.

Thirteen episodes of intravascular cannula-related sepsis were seen during a two year period. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. Fungaemia occurred in four patients all receiving total parenteral nutrition. Culture of the cannula tip and swabs of the insertion site were useful in confirming the diagnosis. Three patients with infection due to S aureus died while receiving treatment for their infections. Care with insertion and maintenance of intravascular cannulae should reduce the frequency of this iatrogenic infection.