The rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection are decreasing, but it still presents a significant financial burden on patients, families and payers, according to a study in Pediatrics.
Researchers sought to determine the cost and length of stay due to pediatric CLABSI between 2008 and 2011. They identified pediatric CLABSI patients using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.
Researchers found the average attributable cost for pediatric CLABSI cases was $55,646 and the average LOS was 19 days.
Researchers noted the rate of CLABSI declined by 44 percent from 2008 to 2011, and the cost of treating patients with CLABSI also fell by 11.8 percent from $111,852 to $98,621. The cost of treating non-CLABSI patients remained stagnant at approximately $48,000.
Despite the declining rate of CLABSI, researchers concluded this healthcare-associated infection still presents a burden on all parties involved. They suggested further efforts to prevent CLABSI and lower care management strategy costs will help support high-value pediatric care.
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