In vitro activity of sodium bisulfite and heparin against staphylococci: new strategies in the treatment of catheter-related infection.

Device-related infections often persist until the device is removed because systemic antibiotic therapy fails frequently. In an in vitro model, the activity of sodium bisulfite (an antioxidant added to many drugs) heparin with chlorbutol or chlorcresol as preservatives, and their combination with cefpirom for treating the internal surface of polyurethane and silicone catheters colonized with Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis was studied. Sodium bisulfite (0.05%) markedly reduced catheter colonization. Heparin combined with chlorbutol, 1000 micrograms/mL of cefpirom, and 0.05% of sodium bisulfite was not more effective than sodium bisulfite alone. A lesser effect was shown by treating adherent bacteria on both catheters with heparin plus preservatives alone. Not only antibiotics but also other substances with antibacterial activity should be evaluated for treatment and prophylaxis of catheter-related infection.