Clinical prediction model for CLABSI in children
We were able to identify risk factors and develop a clinical prediction model for CLABSI in children presenting to the emergency department” Figueroa-Phillips et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The majority of the children with a central line who present to the emergency department with fever or other signs of bacteremia do not have a central […]
Feasibility of extracorporeal photopheresis in pediatric patients
We retrospectively studied the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ECP in 15 children with steroid-dependent/refractory acute or chronic GVHD, who initiated ECP treatment between April 2014 and January 2018″ Winther-Jørgensen et al (2019). Abstract: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a main cause of morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The cumulative incidence of acute […]
Role of the VIP score in clinically indicated peripheral IV replacement
A pre-post quality improvement initiative was implemented following complications surrounding removal of timed SPC catheters compared with those removed by clinical indication, using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) scale” Maier (2019). Abstract: Short peripheral catheters (SPCs) are the most frequently used medical devices in hospital settings. Many hospital policies state that SPCs be replaced at […]
Closed-loop documentation system for IV infusion administration
Many studies have highlighted the patient safety risks in intravenous medication administration, and various technological solutions have been proposed to mitigate those risks, including ‘smart pumps’ and closed-loop systems” Furniss et al (2019). Abstract: Many studies have highlighted the patient safety risks in intravenous medication administration, and various technological solutions have been proposed to mitigate […]
Thrombolytic therapy with urokinase for thrombosed hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula
Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis is a common complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and early intervention is required. Urokinase has been used as a thrombolytic agent for declotting the thrombosed access” Wan et al (2019). Abstract: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis is a common complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and early intervention is required. Urokinase has been […]
Teaching clinical skills in pre-registration nurse education
This article explores the value of teaching clinical skills in pre-registration nurse education. It touches on stages of competence and the knowledge necessary to enable the learner to meet the standards of proficiency expected of registered nurses” Francis and O’Brien (2019). Abstract: This article explores the value of teaching clinical skills in pre-registration nurse education. […]
Chronic venous changes induced by central lines in children
To explore the hypothesis that central venous stenosis/obstructions (CVS/O) in children are influenced by prior central venous access devices (CVADs) and are associated with future risk for thromboses” Gnannt et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: To explore the hypothesis that central venous stenosis/obstructions (CVS/O) in children are influenced by prior central venous access devices (CVADs) and […]
Prevalence of idle peripherally inserted central catheters
We aimed to assess the prevalence and risks of idle peripherally inserted central catheters in adult patients” Xiong et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Increasing studies concern about idle vascular access devices, but still scant data on idle peripherally inserted central catheters. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risks of idle peripherally inserted central catheters […]
Reducing the risk of implantable port catheter fracture
For subcutaneously implanted central venous ports, some complications due to prolonged placement have been reported. We investigated the appropriate puncture points and port placement sites to prevent catheter fracture in right internal jugular port placement” Matsunari et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: For subcutaneously implanted central venous ports, some complications due to prolonged placement have been […]
Pharmacokinetics of Cefazolin and Vancomycin in Infants
There is little evidence to describe the optimal dosing regimen for surgical site infection prophylaxis in infants undergoing cardiac surgery, and a great deal of institutional variability exists in dosing prophylactic antibiotics” Ingrande et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gram-positive bacteria account for nearly three-quarters of all surgical site infections. Antibiotic prophylaxis against these bacteria with […]
Use of epinephrine during neonatal resuscitation
Strong evidence from large clinical trials is lacking owing to the infrequent use of epinephrine during neonatal resuscitation” Vali et al (2019). Abstract: Epinephrine is the only medication recommended by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation for use in newborn resuscitation. Strong evidence from large clinical trials is lacking owing to the infrequent use of […]
Clinical procedure course for medical students
This clinical procedures course introduces students to several basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, both invasive and noninvasive. These include managing pediatric and adult airways, starting intravenous lines, inserting arterial and central lines, inserting Foley catheters and nasogastric tubes, and performing lumbar punctures and paracentesis” Romeo et al (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Doctors perform many clinical procedures […]
Clinical evaluation of two central venous catheter stabilization systems
We report a comparison of a suture-free system with standard sutures for securing short-term CVC in an international multicentre, prospective, randomized, non-blinded, observational feasibility study” Karpanen et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly secured with sutures which are associated with microbial colonization and infection. We report a comparison of a suture-free […]
Mathematical model determines efficacy of three drug infusion methods
A mathematical model for the treatment of cancer using chemovirotherapy is developed with the aim of determining the efficacy of three drug infusion methods: constant, single bolus, and periodic treatments” Malinzi et al (2019). Abstract: A mathematical model for the treatment of cancer using chemovirotherapy is developed with the aim of determining the efficacy of […]
Cost-effectiveness-analysis of ultrasound guidance for central venous catheterization
Because from the German perspective, the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound guidance is unclear, this study examined the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound guidance versus the landmark method for adults undergoing a central venous catheterization” Seleznova et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guidance for central venous catheterization is a commonly used alternative to the conventional landmark method. Because from […]
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin in critically ill patients
This study aimed to characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PKs) of piperacillin and investigate probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of various dosage regimens in critically ill patients during the early phase of sepsis” Sukarnjanaset et al 92019). Abstract: This study aimed to characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PKs) of piperacillin and […]
Ethanol as an additive in chemotherapy formulations
Some chemotherapy formulations contain ethanol as a solvent which can become relevant for medical and nonmedical reasons. Only a few studies have tried to quantify the effects of ethanol in chemotherapy preparations” Fries et al (20190. Abstract: Some chemotherapy formulations contain ethanol as a solvent which can become relevant for medical and nonmedical reasons. Only […]
Outcomes associated with peripheral IV bacteremia
We describe incidence rates, risk factors, and outcomes related to PVC-associated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), a common cause of hospital-onset (HO) SAB” Blauw et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are common in hospitals, but the literature surrounding PVC-associated bacteremia is lacking. We describe incidence rates, risk factors, and outcomes related to PVC-associated […]
Chlorhexidine disinfectant reduces risk of central venous catheter infection
Assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine with povidone solutions as a skin disinfectant for central venous catheter (CVC) care” Shi et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine with povidone solutions as a skin disinfectant for central venous catheter (CVC) care. BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters are widely used for critically ill patients. Catheter maintenance […]
Dalbavancin may be an alternative option for deep sternal wound infection
Dalbavancin may be an alternative option for DSWI caused by gram-positive bacteria when first line treatments are contraindicated or as a salvage treatment” Bartoletti et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a complication of major heart surgery with high morbidity and prolonged antimicrobial treatment and length of hospital stay. Dalbavancin is […]
Antidepressant effects of a single ketamine infusion evaluated
Repeated ketamine infusions have cumulative and sustained antidepressant effects. Reductions in depressive symptoms were maintained among responders through once-weekly infusions” Phillips et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Subanesthetic ketamine doses have been shown to have rapid yet transient antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression, which may be prolonged by repeated administration. The purpose of this […]
Review looks at the safety of oral and intravenous iron
Intravenous iron is being used more frequently to replete iron stores. True anaphylaxis is very rare, but complement-mediated infusion reactions may be seen in up to 1 in every 200 patients” DeLoughery (2019). Abstract: As the adverse effects of iron deficiency are better recognized, the use of oral and intravenous iron has increased dramatically. Oral […]
Comparative efficacy of antimicrobial dressings and securement devices
The purpose of our study is to carry out a Bayesian network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of different antimicrobial dressings for prevention of catheter-related blood infections (CRBSI) and rank these antimicrobial dressings for practical consideration” Dang et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to carry out a Bayesian network meta-analysis comparing […]
Impact of chlorhexidine gluconate on the skin microbiota of children and adults
We observed no differences in pediatric patients; however, multiple genera of bacteria were observed to be significantly less abundant in the adults bathing with CHG” Kates et al (2019). Abstract: We examined the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing on the skin microbiota of adult and pediatric patients. We observed no differences in pediatric patients; […]
Effect of two tourniquet techniques on peripheral IV cannulation
Elastic tourniquets (ETs) and blood pressure cuffs (BPCs) are frequently used for venodilation. Although BPCs lead to increased venodilation and decreased compressibility, it is unclear whether this translates into a meaningful patient-centered outcome. This study aimed to determine whether one method is superior for success on the first attempt” Tran et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: […]
Detection of antibiotic resistance genes from blood cultures
We assessed ELITe MGB® assays in blood culture workflow to detect main carbapenemase and ESBL genes, Staphylococcus aureus and mec genes in less than 3h” Bianco et al (2019). Abstract: Molecular assays may constitute a valid method to timely predict antimicrobial resistance and optimize empirical antibiotic therapies. We assessed ELITe MGB® assays in blood culture […]
Skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone iodine-alcohol
In critically ill patients, 2% chlorhexidine-alcohol is superior to 5% povidone iodine-alcohol for skin preparation before central venous and arterial catheters; whether this finding can be extended to PVC inserted in the wards remains speculative” Guenezan et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Short peripheral intravenous catheters (PVCs) are the most frequently used invasive medical devices in […]
Vascular access decision algorithm is not superior to clinician judgment
The results of this study indicate that the quality improvement intervention and algorithm decision-making tool did not improve accuracy of use of access devices” Panter et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Venous access, via a midline peripheral catheter (midline) or a peripherally inserted central catheter, is used regularly in the neurointensive care unit as a means […]
Percutaneous removal of a precariously placed pericardial PICC
This case describes an unusual complication of peripherally inserted central catheter perforation into the pericardial space with subsequent successful percutaneous removal” Tyner et al (2019). Abstract: Peripherally inserted central catheters provide access to the central chest veins and allow administration of long-term antibiotics, chemotherapy, blood products, fluids, and parenteral nutrition. Peripherally inserted central catheters provide […]
Anti-suicidal efficacy of repeated ketamine infusions
We confirmed that six repeated ketamine infusions for Chinese suicidal depressed patients were effective in generating a rapid response of suicidal ideation, especially low SI achieved more benefits from ketamine infusions” Zhan et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Suicide is a tremendous public health crisis and is demanded urgent intervention. Previous studies found that ketamine intervention […]