The Risk of Bloodstream Infection Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Compared with Central Venous Catheters in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Conclusions: The incidence of PICC related CLABSI is 5.2% (76 of 1423) for hospitalized patients; inpatient use of PICCs has the same incidence of infection as central lines.Although PICCs are associated with a lower risk of CLABSI than CVCs in outpatients, hospitalized patients may be just as likely to experience CLABSI with PICCs as with CVCs. Consideration of risks and benefits before PICC use in inpatient settings is warranted.