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Chapter 16. Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Associated Infections

Sanjay Saint, M.D., M.P.H.
University of Michigan School of Medicine

Background

Central venous catheters inserted for short-term use have become common and important devices in caring for hospitalized patients, especially the critically ill.1 While they have important advantages (e.g., ability to administer large volumes of fluid), short-term vascular catheters are also associated with serious complications, the most common of which is infection. Intravascular catheters are one of the most common causes of nosocomial bacteremia;2 and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) affects over 200,000 patients per year in the United States.3 This chapter focuses primarily on short-term central venous catheters. Two relatively recent reviews address prevention of infection due to other types of vascular catheters.4,5 We review use of maximum barrier precautions (Subchapter 16.1), central venous catheters coated with antibacterial or antiseptic agents (Subchapter 16.2), and use of chlorhexidine gluconate at the insertion site (Subchapter 16.3). We review several promising practices, as well as some common ineffective practices (Subchapter 16.4).

Definitions and Microbiology

Catheter-related infections can be subdivided into those that are local and those that are bacteremic. Local infection involves only the insertion site and manifests as pericatheter skin inflammation. Local infection is usually diagnosed when there is evidence of an insertion-site infection (e.g., purulence at the exit site). Catheter colonization is defined by growth of an organism from the tip or the subcutaneous segment of the removed catheter. Growth of greater than 15 colony-forming units (CFU) using the semiquantitative roll-plate culture technique is often used to define catheter colonization.6 Alternatively, the presence of more than 1000 CFUs per catheter tip segment by quantitative culture using a method such as sonication indicates evidence of catheter colonization.7 Signs of local infection may or may not be present when there is significant catheter colonization; evidence of local infection is observed in at least 5% of patients with catheter colonization.

Bacteremic catheter-related infection (often also referred to as CR-BSI) is defined as a positive blood culture with clinical or microbiologic evidence that strongly implicates the catheter as the source of infection.1 This includes: 1) evidence of local infection with isolation of the same organism from both pus around the site and bloodstream; or 2) positive cultures of both the catheter tip (using either semi-quantitative or quantitative methods) and bloodstream with the same organism; or 3) clinical evidence of sepsis (e.g., fever, altered mental status, hypotension, leukocytosis) that does not respond to antibiotic therapy, but resolves once the catheter is removed.1,5 Some have proposed additional methods of diagnosing CR-BSI, including paired blood cultures (drawn from both the central venous catheter and from a noncatheterized vein)8 and a technique in which time to culture positivity for blood drawn from the central venous catheter is compared with that for the blood drawn from percutaneous venipuncture.9

The most common organisms causing catheter-related infections are staphylococci, gram negative rods, and Candida species.10,11 The pathophysiology of these infections include several mechanisms, the most important of which involve the skin insertion site and the catheter hub.1 Bacteria migrate from the insertion site on the skin along the external surface of the catheter and then colonize the distal tip.12,13 The hub can also lead to infection when bacteria are introduced via the hands of medical personnel. These organisms then migrate along the internal surface of the lumen and may result in bacteremia.14

Less commonly, catheter-related infection can result from hematogenous seeding of the catheter from another focus15 or from contaminated infusates.16

Prevalence and Severity of the Target Safety Problem

A recent quantitative review found that of patients in whom standard, non-coated central venous catheters are in place on average for 8 days, 25% can be expected to develop catheter colonization and 5% will develop CR-BSI.17 The risk of CR-BSI from this estimate is similar to the rate reported by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has reported an average CR-BSI rate of 2.8 to 12.8 infections per 1000 catheter-days for all types of intensive care units and average rates of 4.5 to 6.1 infections per 1000 catheter-days for medical/surgical intensive care units.18

CR-BSI is associated with an increased risk of dying, but whether this association is causal remains controversial.17 Some argue that hospitalized patients who develop CR-BSI may differ in their clinical and physiologic characteristics, and thus may have a higher risk of dying due to intrinsic factors. Proponents of this view believe that the development of CR-BSI is primarily a marker of severe underlying disease or deficient immunity rather than an independent risk factor for dying. Unfortunately, the few studies evaluating attributable mortality due to CR-BSI have conflicting results.

Pittet and colleagues estimated that the attributable mortality of CR-BSI was 25% in a matched case-control study.19,20 Another matched study estimated that the attributable mortality was 28%.21 Other investigators have found a much smaller attributable mortality associated with CR-BSI. DiGiovine et al, in a matched case-control study of 136 medical intensive care unit patients, found a non-significant attributable mortality of CR-BSI (4.4%; p=0.51).22 A recent, carefully matched cohort study of 113 patients by Soufir and colleagues also failed to detect a statistically significant increase in mortality associated with CR-BSI.23 Nevertheless, given the small sample size, these authors concluded that their findings are consistent with a 10% to 20% increased mortality due to CR-BSI.23 Further research to clarify the mortality associated with CR-BSI is needed, but the available data are consistent with an attributable mortality of CR-BSI ranging between 4% and 20%.

Central venous catheter related infection also leads to increased healthcare costs. Though there is substantial variability in the economic estimates, a recent review estimates that an episode of local catheter-related infection leads to an additional cost of approximately $400, while the additional cost of CR-BSI ranges from about $6005 to $9738.17 Some have estimated that each episode leads to even higher costs, approximately $25,000 per episode.19,20

Prevention

Unnecessarily prolonged catheterization should be avoided. Because of the increased risk of infection with prolonged catheterization, many clinicians attempt to reduce this risk with routine changes of the catheter, either over a guidewire or with a new insertion site. However, the available data do not support this practice.24 Eyer et al25 randomized 112 surgical patients receiving a central venous, pulmonary arterial, or systemic arterial catheter for more than 7 days into three groups: a) weekly catheter change at a new site; or b) weekly guidewire exchange at the same site; or c) no routine weekly changes. No significant difference was noted in the incidence of local or bacteremic infection.25 Cobb and colleagues26 randomized 160 patients with central venous or pulmonary arterial catheters to either replacement every 3 days at a new site or over a guidewire, or replacement only when clinically indicated. In those with replacement catheters at new sites, the risk of infectious complications was not decreased and the number of mechanical complications was increased. Those undergoing routine replacement via a guidewire exchange showed a trend towards a higher rate of bloodstream infections compared with those who had catheter replacement only when clinically indicated.26 A recent meta-analysis has confirmed that routine changes of central venous and systemic arterial catheters appear unnecessary;24 attempts should be made, however, to limit the duration of catheterization. Strict adherence to proper handwashing and use of proven infection control principles is crucial (see Chapters 13 and 14).27,28

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Subchapter 16.1. Use of Maximum Barrier Precautions During Central Venous Catheter Insertion

Practice Description

Catheter-related infections often result from contamination of the central venous catheter during insertion. Maximum sterile barrier (MSB) precautions may reduce the incidence of catheter contamination during insertion and thus reduce the rate of CR-BSI. MSB precautions consist of the use of sterile gloves, long-sleeved gowns, and a full-size drape as well as a non-sterile mask (and often a non-sterile cap) during central venous catheter insertion.

Opportunities for Impact

The proportion of patients receiving central venous catheters in whom maximum barrier precautions are employed is not currently known. If maximum barrier precautions are not used, then the standard insertion technique involves the use of only sterile gloves and a sterile small drape. Given the additional time required to employ MSB, it is likely that many patients are not receiving maximum barrier precautions during catheter insertion.

Study Designs

One randomized and one non-randomized study have evaluated the use of maximum barrier precautions (Table 16.1.1). The clinical trial randomized 176 patients to catheter insertion using MSB and 167 patients to control (use of sterile gloves and sterile small drape).29 A non-randomized before-after observational evaluation assessed the effect of a 1-day course on infection control practices and procedures on physician compliance with MSB use and incidence of catheter-infection.30

Study Outcomes

Both studies evaluated rates of catheter-related infection (Level 1), including local and bloodstream infection.

Evidence for Effectiveness of the Practice

There is moderately strong evidence that use of maximum barrier precautions decrease the risk of catheter-related infection (Table 16.1.1). Furthermore, the evidence that healthcare providers—specifically physicians-in-training—can be taught proper use of barrier precautions and thereby decrease the incidence of infection is reasonably strong.

Potential for Harm

There is virtually no harm associated with this intervention.

Costs and Implementation

The use of maximum barrier precautions will cost more than not using this technique in both materials and time. Additionally, teaching healthcare providers how to properly use maximum barrier precautions is also time-consuming and expensive. Sherertz and colleagues estimated the overall cost of their educational program and supplies to be $74,081.30 However, when the costs of preventing catheter-related infection are also included, use of MSB has been estimated to be cost-saving in simplified "back-of-the-envelope" cost studies.29,30 Formal economic evaluation is required to fully assess the economic consequences of full adoption of maximum barrier precautions.

Comments

Use of MSB appears to be a reasonable method of preventing catheter-related infection. Though achieving full compliance with this method of catheter insertion is likely to be challenging, a relatively simple educational intervention has demonstrated effectiveness in improving adherence and reducing infection rates. Given the excellent benefit-to-harm ratio of this patient safety practice, it seems reasonable to strongly consider employing MSB for all patients requiring central venous catheters. The economic consequences of full implementation of this practice are still not entirely clear.

Table 16.1.1. Studies of vascular catheter-related infection*

Study Description; Intervention Study Design, Outcomes Results (p-value or 95% CI)a
343 patients in a 500-bed cancer referral center; catheters inserted under maximal sterile barrier precautions (mask, cap, sterile gloves, gown, and large drape) vs. control precautions (sterile gloves and small drape only)29 Level 1,
Level 1

CR-BSI per 1000 catheter days: 0.08 vs. 0.5, (p=0.02)

Catheter colonization: 2.3% vs. 7.2% (p=0.04)

6 ICUs and a step-down unit in an academic medical center in NC; 1-day course for physicians-in-training on the control of vascular catheter infection, emphasizing use of full-size sterile drapes30 Level 2b,
Level 1

Primary bloodstream infection and catheter-related infection decreased 28% (p<0.01)

Use of full-size sterile drapes increased from 44% to 65% (p<0.001)

Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (2611 catheters) comparing central venous catheters coated with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine with standard, non-coated catheters44 Level 1A,
Level 1
Odds of CR-BSI with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheter vs. standard catheter: OR 0.56 (0.37-0.84)
High-risk adult patients at 12 university-affiliated hospitals in whom central venous catheters were expected to remain in place for ≥3 days; minocycline/rifampin vs. chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters46 Level 1,
Level 1

Incidence of CR-BSI: minocycline/rifampin 0.3% vs. chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine 3.4% (p<0.002)

Both types of catheters had similar efficacy for approximately the first 10 days

Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (772 catheters) comparing tunneling with standard placement of short-term central venous catheters61 Level 1A,
Level 1

Catheter-related septicemia: RR 0.56 (0.31-1); excluding 1 study of placement in internal jugular: RR 0.71 (0.36-1.43)

Catheter colonization: RR 0.61 (0.39-0.95); excluding 1 study of placement in internal jugular: RR 0.59 (0.32-1.10)

Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs comparing prophylactic heparin use (in different forms) with no heparin use on the following outcomes: central venous catheter colonization (3 trials), CR-BSI (4 trials), and catheter-related deep venous thrombosis (7 trials)59 Level 1A,
Level 1

CR-BSI: RR 0.26 (0.07-1.03)

Catheter colonization: RR 0.18 (0.06-0.60)

Catheter-related deep venous thrombosis:

RR 0.43 (0.23-078)

Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (918 patients, ≥1913 catheters) assessing the effect of guidewire exchange and a prophylactic replacement strategy (change every 3 days) on central venous catheter-related colonization (8 trials), exit site infection (4 trials), bacteremia (8 trials), and mechanical complications (9 trials) in critically ill patients24 Level 1A,
Level 1

Catheter colonization: RR 1.26 (0.87-1.84)

Exit site infection: RR 1.52 (0.34-6.73)

Bacteremia: RR 1.72 (0.89-3.33)

Mechanical complications: RR 0.48 (0.12-1.91)

Prophylactic catheter replacement every 3 days was not found to be better than as-needed replacement

* CI indicates confidence interval; CR-BSI, catheter-related bloodstream infection; OR, odds ratio; RCT, randomized controlled trial; and RR, relative risk.

a Results are reported as intervention group vs. control (standard or usual care) group.

b Prospective before-after study design.

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Subchapter 16.2. Use of Central Venous Catheters Coated with Antibacterial or Antiseptic Agents

Practice Description

Recent studies have indicated that central venous catheters coated with antimicrobial agents reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI). Implementing use of these catheters would be simple, primarily involving the replacement of standard, non-coated vascular catheters. However, these catheters, such as chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine-impregnated catheters and minocycline/rifampin-coated catheters, are more expensive than standard catheters. Thus, the cost-effectiveness of these catheters needs to be considered by decision makers.

Opportunities for Impact

Currently, it is not known precisely what proportion of patient who require central venous catheterization receive an antimicrobial catheter, however, it is probably the minority of patients.

Study Designs

Multiple randomized trials have compared chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine central venous catheters with standard, non-coated central venous catheters.31-43 In addition, a recent meta-analysis used a fixed effects model to combine the results of these chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine trials.44 A large, multicenter study has compared minocycline/rifampin coated catheters with non-coated, standard catheters.45 Additionally, a recent multicenter randomized trial of minocycline/rifampin versus chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters has also been reported.46 The majority of the patients enrolled in the individual studies cited above had a central venous catheter in place for 8 days on average (range of average duration, 5 to 11 days). Details of the characteristics and results of the trials comparing central venous catheters coated with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine to control catheters are in Tables 16.2.1 and 16.2.2.

Study Outcomes

Most studies reported the incidence of catheter colonization and CR-BSI. Though the precise outcome definitions in some of the studies varied, in general the definition of catheter colonization and CR-BSI used in most of these studies was explicit and appropriate.

Evidence for Effectiveness of the Practice

The evidence for the efficacy of chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters is fairly substantial. The recent meta-analysis found a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of CR-BSI (odds ratio 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37-0.84).44 There is also reasonable evidence that minocycline-rifampin catheters reduce the risk of CR-BSI compared with standard, non-coated catheters. The recent randomized trial of minocycline/rifampin versus chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters found a significant and clinically important decrease in the incidence of CR-BSI in the group of patients using minocycline/rifampin compared with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters (0.3% vs. 3.4%, p<0.002).46 Of note, both types of coated catheters had similar efficacy for approximately the first 10 days of catheterization.

Potential for Harm

The potential for occurrence of immediate hypersensitivity reaction in association with the use of chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine impregnated catheters is of concern. Although there have been no reports of hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine impregnated central venous catheters in the United States (out of more than 2.5 million sold), 13 cases of immediate hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in Japan, including one potentially associated death. There were 117,000 antiseptic-impregnated catheters sold in Japan before their use was halted because of these cases.47 It is not clear why there have been no reports of hypersensitivity reactions in the U.S; this heterogeneity may be caused by a higher previous exposure of patients in Japan to chlorhexidine or by a genetic predisposition.

Minocycline and rifampin are both occasionally used as systemic antimicrobial agents; thus, their use on catheters raises the important theoretical issue of increased antimicrobial resistance. At this time, there has been no conclusive evidence that antimicrobial resistance has or will increase due to the use of these catheters.

Costs and Implementation

Formal and informal economic analyses indicate that central venous catheters coated with antibacterial agents (such as chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine or minocycline/rifampin) are likely to lead to both clinical and economic advantages in selected patients. In terms of formal economic comparisons, a recent analysis compared chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters to standard catheters and found that chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters lead to both clinical and economic advantages in patients receiving central venous catheterization for 2 to 10 days and who were considered high risk for infection (i.e., critically ill or immunocompromised patients). Specifically, the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters led to a significant decrease in the incidence of CR-BSI and death, and a cost savings of approximately $200 per catheter used.47 Importantly, the risk of hypersensitivity reaction to the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters was considered in the analysis, but had little effect on the overall clinical and economic outcomes.47

However, given the recently demonstrated efficacy of the minocycline/rifampin catheter compared with the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheter,46 a formal cost-effectiveness analysis comparing these two types of coated catheters is necessary. This is especially important since the minocycline/rifampin catheter costs about $9 more per catheter than the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheter.

Implementation of either of these catheters would be straightforward. Stocking the appropriate antimicrobial catheter in areas of the hospital that are likely to require such catheters (e.g., intensive care unit, operative room, hematology-oncology floor) would be a relatively simple way of translating the research findings into actual practice.

Comment

In light of the substantial clinical and economic burden of catheter-related infection, hospital personnel should adopt proven cost-effective methods to reduce this common and important nosocomial complication. The bulk of the evidence supports the use of either chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine or minocycline/rifampin central venous catheters rather than standard (non-coated) catheters in high-risk patients requiring short-term central venous catheterization (e.g., for 2 to 10 days). Choosing between the 2 antimicrobial catheters requires a formal cost-effectiveness analysis since the minocycline/rifampin catheter costs significantly more than the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheter. There are 2 primary issues that should be addressed when comparing these catheters: the expected duration of catheterization and the risk of antibiotic resistance to the patient, the hospital, and society. Though each minocycline/rifampin catheter costs more than the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheter, using minocycline/rifampin catheters may actually result in cost-savings for at least some patient populations given their improved overall efficacy. Of note, the improved efficacy of the minocycline/rifampin catheters may be a result of coating both the internal and external surfaces with these substances; the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine catheters evaluated to date have only had the external surface coated with the antiseptic combination.

Table 16.2.1. Characteristics of trials comparing central venous catheters coated with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine to control catheters*

Study Description Number of Catheters (Treatment, Control) Mean Catheter Duration in Days (Treatment, Control) Catheter Colonizationa Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infectiona
Tennenberg31: 282 hospital patients (137 treatment, 145 control) in variety of settings; double- and triple-lumen catheters without exchanges over guidewires 137,
145
5.1,
53
SQ (IV, SC, >15 CFU) SO (IV, SC, site), CS, NS
Maki32: 158 ICU patients (72 treatment, 86 control); triple-lumen catheters with catheter exchanges over guidewires 208,
195
6.0,
6.0
SQ (IV, >15 CFU) SO (>15 CFU, IV, hub, inf)b
van Heerden33c: 54 ICU patients (28 treatment, 26 control); triple-lumen catheters without catheter exchanges over guidewires 28,
26
6.6,
6.8
SQ (IV, >15 CFU) NR
Hannan34: ICU patients; triple-lumen catheters 68,
60
7,
8
SQ (IV, >103 CFU) d SO (IV, >103 CFU), NS
Bach35c: 26 ICU patients (14 treatment, 12 control); triple-lumen catheters without catheter exchanges over guidewires 14,
12
7.0,
7.0
QN (IV, >103 CFU) NR
Bach36c: 133 surgical patients (116 treatment, 117 control); double- and triple-lumen catheters without exchanges over guidewires 116,
117
7.7,
7.7
QN (IV, >103 CFU) SO (IV)
Heard37c: 111 SICU patients (107 treatment, 104 control); triple-lumen catheters with exchanges over guidewires 151,
157
8.5,
9
SQ (IV, SC, >14 CFU) SO (IV, SC, >4 CFU)
Collin38: 119 ER/ICU patients (58 treatment, 61 control); single-, double-, and triple-lumen catheters with exchanges over guidewires 98,
139
9.0,
7.3
SQ (IV, SC, >15 CFU) SO (IV, SC)
Ciresi39c: 191 patients receiving TPN (92 treatment, 99 control); triple-lumen catheters with exchanges over guidewires 124,
127
9.6,
9.1
SQ (IV, SC, >15 CFU) SO (IV, SC)
Pemberton40: 72 patients receiving TPN (32 treatment, 40 control); triple-lumen catheters without exchanges over guidewires 32,
40
10,
11
NR SO (IV), Res, NS
Ramsay41c: 397 hospital patients (199 treatment, 189 control) in a variety of settings; triple-lumen catheters without exchanges over guidewires 199,
189
10.9,
10.9
SQ (IV, SC, >15 CFU) SO (IV, SC)
Trazzera42c: 181 ICU/BMT patients (99 treatment, 82 control); triple-lumen catheters with exchanges over guidewires 123,
99
11.2,
6.7
SQ (IV, >15 CFU) SO (IV, >15 CFU)
George43: Transplant patients; triple-lumen catheters without exchanges over guidewires 44,
35
NR SQ (IV, >5 CFU) SO (IV)

* BMT indicates bone marrow transplant; CFU, colony forming units; CS, clinical signs of systemic infection; ER, emergency room; ICU, intensive care unit; IV, intravascular catheter segment; inf, catheter infusate; NR, not reported; NS, no other sources of infection; QN, quantitative culture; Res, resolution of symptoms upon catheter removal; SC, subcutaneous catheter segment; SICU, surgical intensive care unit; site, catheter insertion site; SO, same organism isolated from blood and catheter; SQ, semi-quantitative culture; and TPN, total parenteral nutrition.

a Catheter segments (or site) cultured and criteria for a positive culture are given in parenthesis

b Organism identity confirmed by restriction-fragment subtyping

c Additional information provided by author (personal communications, 1/98-3/98)

d Culture method reported as semiquantitative; criteria for culture growth suggests quantitative method

Table 16.2.2. Results of trials comparing central venous catheters coated with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine to control catheters*

Study Catheter Colonization Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection
No. (%) Positive Odds Ratio (95% CI) No. (%) Positive Odds Ratio (95% CI)
Treatment Control Treatment Control
Tennenberg31 8 (5.8%) 32 (22.1%) 0.22 (0.10-0.49) 5 (3.6%) 9 (6.2%) 0.57 (0.19-1.75)
Maki32 28 (13.5%) 47 (24.1%) 0.49 (0.29-0.82) 2 (1.0%) 9 (4.6%) 0.20 (0.04-0.94)
van Heerden33a 4 (14.3%) 10 (38.5%) 0.27 (0.07-1.00) - - -
Hannan34 22 (32.4%) 22 (36.7%) 0.83 (0.40-1.72) 5 (7.4%) 7 (11.7%) 0.60 (0.18-2.00)
Bach35a 0 (0%) 4 (33.3%) 0 (0-0.65) - - -
Bach36a 2 (1.7%) 16 (13.7%) 0.11 (0.02-0.49) 0 (0%) 3 (2.6%) 0 (0-1.28)
Heard37a 60 (39.7%) 82 (52.2%) 0.60 (0.38-0.95) 5 (3.3%) 6 (3.8%) 0.86 (0.26-2.89)
Collin38 2 (2.0%) 25 (18.0%) 0.10 (0.02-0.41) 1 (1.0%) 4 (2.9%) 0.35 (0.04-3.16)
Ciresi39a 15 (12.1%) 21(16.5%) 0.69 (0.34-1.42) 13 (10.5%) 14 (11.0%) 0.95 (0.43-2.10)
Pemberton40 - - - 2 (6.3%) 3 (7.5%) 0.82 (0.13-5.24)
Ramsay41a 45 (22.6%) 63 (33.3%) 0.58 (0.37-0.92) 1 (0.5%) 4 (2.1%) 0.23 (0.03-2.11)
Trazzera42a 16 (13.0%) 24 (24.2%) 0.47 (0.23-0.94) 4 (3.3%) 5 (5.1%) 0.63 (0.17-2.42)
George43 10 (22.7%) 25 (71.4%) 0.12 (0.04-0.33) 1 (2.3%) 3 (8.6%) 0.25 (0.02-2.50)

* CI indicates confidence interval.

a Additional information provided by author (personal communications, 1/98-3/98)

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