Objectives:

To describe the incidence of infections associated with central venous catheter in intensive care adult patients.

Method:

Observational systematic review at exploratory level through documentary review technique. Category matrix and PRISMA 2020 methodology were used. Inclusion criteria: articles related to adult patients hospitalized in intensive care with central venous catheter, published in Spanish.

Results:

25 articles related to the topic were identified, selecting 5 that met inclusion criteria. Femoral catheters presented higher contamination rate by Staphylococcus aureus, enterobacteria like Pseudomona aeruginosa and fungi like Candida. Main complication was prolonged hospital stay and endocarditis. Economic impact doubles cost per patient including diagnostic imaging, tests and procedures.

Conclusions:

The incidence of central venous catheter-associated infections is inevitable but preventable. Continuous training and Bundle measures application improve care quality reducing hospital stay, mortality and institutional costs.