Clinical evidence supports safe continuous antibiotic infusion via peripheral IV catheters using elastomeric infusion pumps

New Evidence supports safe continuous antibiotic infusion via peripheral IV catheters
Published in: JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance, Volume 7, Issue 5, October 2025,
dlaf169, https://doi.org/10.1093/jacamr/dlaf169

A new peer-reviewed study in JAC–Antimicrobial Resistance provides strong evidence supporting the safety, reliability and practicality of continuous antibiotic infusion through peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) using elastomeric infusers. The findings validate elastomeric technology as an effective option for outpatient and home-based antimicrobial therapy.

Summary
Over five years, the study monitored 415 adult patients receiving continuous Cefazolin infusions via elastomeric devices through 870 PIVCs in an outpatient setting.

Key Outcomes:
 88.3% of PIVCs had no signs of phlebitis (VIP score = 0)
 Leakage occurred in 2.3% of cases, blockage in 1.6%, and accidental dislodgement in 2.0%
 No cases of catheter-related infections or bacteraemia were reported.
 Low 30-day re-admission rate (3.6%) and zero mortality were observed.

Conclusion
Overall, these findings confirm that continuous antibiotic infusion via PIVCs is both safe and effective, supporting the broader adoption of elastomeric infusion pumps in outpatient and home-care environments.

Read the full study: https://doi.org/10.1093/jacamr/dlaf169