Site Selection and CLABSI Incidence in an ICU of a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Central Time

Location: Connections Central - RST 05

Khalille B. Villaruel, Khalille Julia B. Villaruel, RMT,MD, DPCP Critical Care Medicine, Asian Hospital and Medical Center Internal Medicine, Veterans Memorial Medical Center (she/her/hers)

National Capital Region, PHL

Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose.
AH

Aaron Mark Hernandez, Aaron Mark R. Hernandez, MD, FPCP, FPSCCM, FAMP, CLSSYB Consultant Intensivist, Asian Hospital and Medical Center Internal Medicine, University of the Philippines–PGH Fellow, Philippine College of Physicians Fellow, Philippine Society of Critical Care Medicine Fellow, Academy of Medicine of the Philippines Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Consultant Intensivist, Asian Hospital; Internal Medicine, UP-PGH; FPCP, FPSCCM, FAMP, CLSSYB
Asian Hospital Medical Center

Disclosure information not submitted.

Introduction: This study explored the impact of central venous catheter (CVC) insertion site selection on the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of a tertiary hospital in the Philippines. While CVCs are vital for administering medications, fluids, and renal replacement therapies, they are associated with complications such as CLABSI, a leading cause of ICU morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Asian Hospital and Medical Center from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023. Adult patients (≥19 years old) admitted to any of the hospital’s ICUs who underwent CVC insertion during their stay were included. Patients were categorized into CLABSI and non-CLABSI groups. Data were collected from the Cardiovascular, Medical-Surgical, and Neurology ICUs. Statistical tools used included chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Welch’s t-test, and logistic regression to evaluate associations between insertion site, patient outcomes, and risk factors.

Results: Among 257 patients reviewed, 40 developed CLABSI, corresponding to an overall incidence of 15.56%. The internal jugular vein (IJV) was the most frequently used site, followed by the subclavian and femoral veins. Although variation in infection rates was noted by site, no statistically significant association between insertion site and CLABSI was observed (p = 0.593). However, CLABSI was significantly associated with worse clinical outcomes, including higher mortality (75% vs. 36.87%) and longer ICU stay (mean 29.65 vs. 13.20 days), with both differences reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that patient-related risk factors such as immunosuppression, malnutrition, or prolonged hospitalization were significantly associated with CLABSI (p = 0.006), whereas insertion site, age, and sex were not.

Conclusions: In conclusion, while site selection remains a relevant procedural decision, it may not independently determine CLABSI risk when standard infection control measures are applied. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on infection prevention strategies and risk factor modification to reduce CLABSI in critically ill patients.