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Device for air removal from intravenous infusion lines

iv

In this study, we developed a novel device, vascular access line air removal device (VALARD), and compared its efficiency of air removal and pause time of forward bulk flow with a commonly used device, the Belmont pump” Xu et al (2018). Abstract: Efficient air removal from a vascular access line is a key step to […]

Therapeutic antibiotic serum concentrations by two blood collection methods

venipuncture

The primary objective of this study was to assess agreement between serum tobramycin/vancomycin concentrations collected from a CVC or PIV, versus venipuncture or fingerstick” Lichliter et al (2018). Abstract: Repeated venipunctures and fingersticks to confirm serum drug concentrations cause pain and dissatisfaction for pediatric patients and their families. In many organizations, the standard of care […]

Catheter-associated venous air embolism in hospitalized horses

iv drip

Our objective was to describe the surrounding circumstances, clinical signs, treatment, progression, and outcome of venous air embolism in hospitalized horses” Parkinson et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Venous air embolism is a potentially life-threatening complication of IV catheter use in horses. Despite widespread anecdotal reports of their occurrence, few cases have been reported in the […]

Cryoprecipitate transfusions in the neonatal intensive care unit

neonatal infection

The objective of this study was to determine if a change in cryoprecipitate transfusion policy impacts donor exposure and fibrinogen level in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population” Tkach et al (2018). Abstract BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine if a change in cryoprecipitate transfusion policy impacts donor exposure and fibrinogen […]

Study suggests SecurAcath saves time during dressing change

securacath

Use of SecurAcath saves time during dressing change compared with StatLock. Training on correct placement and removal of SecurAcath is critical to minimise pain” Goossens et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: To assess the effect on needed nursing time for dressing change. Design, setting, participants: A parallel-group, open-label, randomised controlled trial in patients who are in […]

Sternal intraosseous access for fresh whole blood transfusion

transfusion

In this study we have challenged this statement by looking at flow rates of autologous fresh whole blood reinfusion and hemolysis using two of the commonly used FDA-approved and CE-marked sternal needles” Bjerkvig et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intraosseous (IO) vascular access is increasingly used as an emergency tool for achieving access to the systemic […]

Risk factors of extravasation of peripheral intravenous catheters in neonates and children

central venous

Extravasation was frequent and neonates were particularly at risk. Younger age and longer in situ PIVC duration were independent risk factors for extravasation” Fonzo-Christe et al (2018). Abstract: AIM: Epidemiological data on the incidence and risk factors of extravasation of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) in neonates and children are scarce and that is what this […]

Educational program for decreasing catheter-related bloodstream infections

cannulation training

This study aimed to determine whether an educational program could reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in intensive care units (ICUs)” Shimoyama et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used in the management of critically ill patients. This study aimed to determine whether an educational program could reduce the […]

Complication rates of tunneled femoral venous catheter placement

femoral line

Femoral tunneled central line placement in the pediatric population offers an alternative means for intravenous (IV) access, but there is concern for higher complication and infection rates when placed at bedside” Chau et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Femoral tunneled central line placement in the pediatric population offers an alternative means for intravenous (IV) access, but […]

Inadvertent central arterial catheterization results in ischemic stroke

pain relief

We present a patient with an acute ischemic stroke from an inadvertently placed CVC into the right common carotid artery” Katyal et al (2018). Abstract: Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is extensively utilized in Intensive Care Units for evaluation of hemodynamic status, administration of intravenous drugs, and for providing nutritional support in critically ill patients. […]

Simulation-based mastery learning curriculum for CVC insertion skills

jugular central line

In this study, the authors compared the results of traditional Angoff and Hofstee standard-setting exercises with the Mastery Angoff and Patient-Safety approaches for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion skills examinations” Barsuk et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: Defensible minimum passing standards (MPSs) must be used to evaluate learner performance outcomes in health professions education. In this […]

Is prophylactic platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement?

This is the first prospective, randomised controlled trial powered to test the hypothesis of whether omitting forgoing platelet transfusion prior to central venous cannulation leads to an equal occurrence of clinical relevant bleeding complications in critically ill and haematologic patients with thrombocytopenia” van de Weerdt et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Severe thrombocytopenia should be corrected […]

Stability and chemical characteristics of injectable ascorbic acid for patients with cancer

implanted port

The current research team has evaluated its effectiveness in patients with cancer as part of an ongoing research program. However, no data are available that support the chemical stability of intravenously injectable ascorbic acid (AA) to ensure its safety and efficacy in that patient population” Monti et al (2017). Abstract: Context: Intravenous ascorbic acid (IVAA) […]

Development and implementation of an antimicrobial lock therapy guideline

IV flush

Overall, implementation of a guideline on administration of antimicrobial lock therapy was successful. Nine patients received antimicrobial lock therapy in the 18 months after policy implementation; although 2 had their line removed (1 due to repeated line infections), neither required line replacement” Zembles et al (2018). Abstract: Purpose: The development and implementation of an antimicrobial […]

Case review describes double superior vena cava

picc tip

Double SVC can be fortuitously discovered during catheter insertion, thoracic or cardiac imaging and surgery. In most cases it drains into the right atrium, through the coronary sinus” Farazi-Chongouki et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Various anomalies in the development of the great thoracic veins of the embryo can be incidentally discovered in the normal adult. […]

Safety and efficacy of Rituximab described in this article

picc uedvt

Patient characteristics, safety, and efficacy measures are reviewed to ascertain the therapeutic benefit and safety of RTX in a real-world setting with long-term follow-up” Alldredge et al (2018). Abstract OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. B cells play an important pathogenic role in MS. Rituximab (RTX), a B-cell […]

CLABSI risk factors in children receiving home parenteral nutrition

clabsi

This study aimed to (1) characterize the incidence, clinical presentation, and epidemiology of CRBSIs and (2) identify risk factors for CRBSIs in children receiving home parenteral nutrition” Wozniak et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the epidemiology and risk factors for the development of outpatient-acquired catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in children receiving home […]

Central line insertion and complication rates in the UK population

CVC

This study demonstrates the ease and feasibility of collecting detailed descriptive data on central line insertion and its immediate complications in the UK over two weeks” Wong et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters are inserted ubiquitously in critical care and have roles in drug administration, fluid management and renal replacement therapy. They are […]

Prevalence and economic burden of medication errors in the NHS in England

glass particles

This project aims to summarise the evidence on the burden of medication error, namely the number of errors occurring in the NHS in England, the costs of those errors to the NHS and the health losses due to medication error” Elliott et al (2018). Abstract: Medication errors may cause harm, including death, and increase use […]

Presepsin as a predictor of positive blood culture in suspected neonatal sepsis

neonatal picc

The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the accuracy of presepsin (P-SEP) as a novel biomarker of bacterial infection for neonatal sepsis diagnosis” Miyosawa et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Although the incidence of neonatal sepsis is decreasing, neonatal sepsis remains a severe life-threatening disease. No current biochemical marker can provide perfect diagnostic accuracy […]

Ten year outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy review from Australia

cvc

This study reviewed the practice of an OPAT service in a large Australian tertiary teaching hospital in Western Sydney over a 10-year period” Li et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) is a widely accepted and safe therapeutic option for carefully selected patients. This study reviewed the practice of an OPAT service […]

Review of fifty years of long-term central venous access

Infusion

Critical issues include catheter-related infections, venous injury, thrombosis, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, occlusion, and progressive attrition of central venous capital” Baskin et al (2018). Abstract: Fifty years ago, the first central venous access devices (CVADs) intended for long-term use were used to deliver parenteral nutrition (1). The index patient required 16 catheters in 5 different locations […]

What is the patient experience of health care–associated infection?

clabsi

The impact of different HAIs may vary; however, there are many similarities in the experience recounted by patients” Currie et al (2018). Abstract: Background: The global burden of health care–associated infection (HAI) is well recognized; what is less well known is the impact HAI has on patients. To develop acceptable, effective interventions, greater understanding of […]

Vascular access variation in the haemodialysis access journey

The development of an assisted HHD care delivery model and advancement of telehealth and technology in provision of HHD care may increase accessibility of HHD services for older patients

The modality by which haemodialysis (HD) is delivered [arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft (AVG) or central venous catheter (CVC)] varies widely and is influenced by clinical evidence, patient factors and the prevailing service configuration. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome and impact of access strategy on patient outcome by mapping out […]

Decreasing hospitalizations in patients on hemodialysis

Hospitalizations drive up to 35% of the astronomical costs of care for patients on hemodialysis and are associated with poor outcomes” Golestaneh (2018). Abstract: Hospitalizations drive up to 35% of the astronomical costs of care for patients on hemodialysis and are associated with poor outcomes. We describe outpatient care-sensitive categories of hospitalization risks in an […]

Fluid resuscitation in pre-hospital management of septic shock

iv

The outcome of septic patients relies on the early identification and rapid implementation of appropriate treatments, including hemodynamic optimization and antibiotics administration” Jouffroy et al (2018). Abstract: The estimated incidence of sepsis is approximately 300 per 100,000 inhabitants [1,2], making sepsis a major public health problem, with a mortality rate reaching 30% at day 28 […]

Comparison of error rates between intravenous push methods

needlestick injury

This study aims to compare the number of observed medication preparation and administration errors between the only commercially available ready-to-administer product (Simplist) and IV push traditional practice, including a cartridge-based syringe system (Carpuject) and vials and syringes” Hertig et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: Current literature estimates the error rate associated with the preparation and administration […]

Impact of occupational splash, sharps and needlestick injuries

needlestick injury

Infection as a consequence of splash sharps and needlestick injuries (SSNIs) is a hazard faced by healthcare workers” Ongete and Duffy (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infection as a consequence of splash sharps and needlestick injuries (SSNIs) is a hazard faced by healthcare workers. Little is known about the impact this has on quality of life particularly […]

Complications associated with outpatient central venous catheters

PICC

Medically attended catheter complications were common among outpatients discharged with a CVC, and reduction of these events should be the focus of outpatient quality improvement programs” Spires et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Outpatient central venous catheters (CVCs) are being used more frequently; however, data describing mechanical complications and central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the outpatient […]