Quantification of Erythema at Exit Site of Central Catheter: Is a Tablet Camera Sufficient?

Background: In critical care medicine central venous catheters play an important role in the source of infections. In the daily routine prior to the diagnosis the suspicion of catheter related infection is discussed in the medical team due to signs of systemic inflammation or exit site infection like erythema, induration or tenderness. However, if an erythema at exit site of a central line can be quantified with a tablet camera, is unknown.

Methods: Standardized set of photos will be taken of 10 central lines with a reddened exit site and 10 catheters without an erythema (as a control over time) with a tablet camera and a single-lens reflex camera. The percentage of usable images between tablet and single-lens reflex camera will be analysed. Furthermore, two independent clinical experts from dermatology will grade blinded de-identied images on a scale from 0 to 4 (0 - no erythema, 1- very faint, 2 - faint, 3 - bright, 4 - very bright).

Objectives: The primary objective of this feasibility study aims to analyze the reliability of a tablet camera as a device for quantification of erythema around an exit site.