Optimal hemodialysis catheter insertion can be done with no x-ray

The use of a dual vector positioning system in this study demonstrated optimal hemodialysis catheter insertion can be done with no X-ray and no increase in mechanical complications” Ramirez et al (2018). Abstract: Acute care hemodialysis catheters have traditionally been validated for use through chest X-ray interpretation. This study was implemented to evaluate if hemodialysis […]
Risk factors associated with adverse events in neonates with PICC

The aim of the study was to describe the occurrence of adverse events in newborns with peripherally inserted central catheters and to determine the risk factors associated with them” Padilla-Sánchez et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters have become a priority in infants who require long-term intravenous therapy, but their use involves certain […]
Effectiveness of chlorhexidine bathing for preventing HAI among adult intensive care patients

A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify trials assessing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine bathing to reduce risk of infection, among adult intensive care patients” Frost et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health care associated infections (HAI) among adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) have been shown to increase length of stay, the cost […]
Nationwide surveillance study of catheter-related infections

To estimate the incidence and epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) on a national scale by using prospective epidemiological data from the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance System (ANRESIS)” Buetti et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence and epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) on a national scale by using prospective epidemiological data from […]
Principles of intravenous drug infusion in anaesthesia

The physicochemical properties of different drugs result in very different behaviours, especially following cessation of intravenous infusion” Chambers (2018). Abstract: Intravenous infusions are required when a drug has a short half-life or a narrow therapeutic window. Pharmacokinetic models are employed to calculate the infusion rate for a particular target plasma concentration. While the one-compartment model […]
Informed consent process for PICC patients

This paper describes a patient-centered, systematic, multidisciplinary approach to develop, implement, and alpha test a multimedia PtDA to reform the informed consent process of a PICC for patients in 10 acute and intensive care units” Sowan et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Informed consent has considerable clinical, ethical, and legal implications for patient safety and liability. […]
Central venous catheter-related bacteraemia in HIV-infected versus non-HIV-infected patients

There is a paucity of data on the prevalence and pattern of pathogenic organisms in haemodialysed HIV-infected versus non-HIV-infected patients with end-stage kidney disease” Avila-Danguillecourt et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheter (CVC) haemodialysis (HD) to implement renal replacement therapy is the preferred choice in the urgent setting. Unfortunately, CVC placement is associated with […]
Povidone-iodine lowers incidence of catheter-associated bloodstream infections

Our data indicate that the incidence of infections caused by CV catheters was significantly reduced using povidone-iodine; therefore, we recommend this procedure for routine administration of chemotherapy” Sugiyama et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous (CV) catheters are required for the administration of chemotherapy. However, they may become a source of life-threatening infections of the […]
Bloodstream infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outpatients

We described 235 bloodstream infection (BSI) episodes in 146 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) outpatients and evaluated risk factors for hospitalization and death. Records of outpatients presenting with positive blood cultures over a 5-year period (January 2005 to December 2008) were reviewed” Russo et al (2018). Abstract: We described 235 bloodstream infection (BSI) episodes in […]
Central catheter-related complications among Japanese patients

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of complications in Japanese patients with CVCs, including patients with SBS using CVCs” wing et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a serious rare disorder that is usually managed with parenteral nutrition. Central venous catheter (CVC)-related complications are known to occur, but […]
ECG method for confirming central venous catheter tip placement

The objective of this study is to compare the accurate placement of the CVC tip using anatomical landmark technique with ECG-guided technique” Krishnan et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The current standard followed for assessing central venous catheter (CVC) tip placement location is through radiological confirmation using chest X-ray (CXR). Placement of CVCs under electrocardiogram (ECG) […]
Early detection and prompt treatment of infiltration and extravasation

The potential complications of infiltration and extravasation are common in this population. Consequences of infiltration and extravasation may be prevented or mitigated by early detection and prompt treatment” Desarno et al (2018). Abstract: The vast majority of infants in the NICU receive peripheral intravenous (PIV) therapy for administration of fluids, nutrition, medications, and blood products. […]
Bilateral hydrothorax case as a rare outcome of central venous catheter placement

CVC placement is a relatively safe procedure but may occasionally be associated with complications, such as pneumothorax, haemothorax, cardiac tamponade, sepsis and thrombosis” Batihan et al (2018). Abstract: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are very useful tools in clinical medicine. It is important not only for the administration of medications or fluids but also the measurement […]
Point-of-care ultrasound evaluation and puncture simulation of the internal jugular vein

To show that medical students can evaluate the internal jugular vein (IJV) and its anatomical variations after rapid and focused training. We also aimed to evaluate the success rate of IJV puncture in simulation following traditional techniques (TTs) and monitored via ultrasound (US)” Pazeli et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To show that medical students can […]
Review of low-lying umbilical venous catheters

Conventional neonatology practice is to place umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) in central position and to limit the use of low-lying catheters. Our objectives were to describe the practices and complications associated with UVCs and to evaluate the type of infusates used with either UVC position” El Ters et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Conventional neonatology practice […]
Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guideline for OPAT

A panel of experts was convened by the Infectious Diseases Society of America to update the 2004 clinical practice guideline on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)” Norris et al (2019). Abstract: A panel of experts was convened by the Infectious Diseases Society of America to update the 2004 clinical practice guideline on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial […]
Septic pulmonary embolism related to implanted central venous access port

Due to the increasing use of intravascular devices and catheters, more catheter-related and device-related SPEs have been reported. Here, we report a case, in which, a CVAPD was infected with Staphylococcus epidermidis, causing recurrent SPE” Hong and Kim (2018). Extract: “The use of central venous access port devices (CVAPDs) has increased rapidly worldwide because of […]
Central catheter size for infants for continuous renal replacement therapy

The aim of this study was to characterize both the operating conditions and performance of three different central vascular catheters sizes (4F, 5F, and 7F) connected to two different extracorporeal blood circulation models (adult and pediatric)” Garzotto et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Renal replacement therapy in infants and small children is the treatment of choice […]
State of needlestick training for undergraduate medical students

Of UME respondents, 53% reported that their institution lacks needlestick training, and 35% were unsure whether their institution provides reporting instruction” Shirreff et al (2018). Abstract: Canadian undergraduate medical students sustain needlestick injuries, which have adverse implications, including blood-borne illnesses and personal anxiety. This study sought to determine students’ needle handling efficacy and to examine […]
Ertapenem for osteoarticular infections in obese patients

Ertapenem is used off-label to treat osteoarticular infections but there are few pharmacokinetic (PK) data to guide optimal dosing strategies in patients who may be obese with multiple co-morbidities including diabetes and peripheral vascular disease” Chambers et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: Ertapenem is used off-label to treat osteoarticular infections but there are few pharmacokinetic (PK) […]
Mineralocorticoid receptor and hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction

As a key mediator of vascular and cardiac maladaptive remodeling, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays a pivotal role in vascular fibrosis and intimal hyperplasia (IH) and is potentiated locally in hemodialysis vascular access following diverse injuries, like barotrauma, cannulation and shear stress” Chen et al (2018). Abstract: Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is a common and intractable […]
Chlorhexidine-impregnated gel IV dressing compared with transparent polyurethane dressing

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing with that of polyurethane dressing in the prevention of catheter-related infections in critically ill adult patients with short-term percutaneous CVC” Margatho et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In patients with short-term percutaneous central venous […]
Impact of subcutaneous tunnels on peripherally inserted catheter placement

To evaluate the impact of subcutaneous tunneling on peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in terms of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)” Kim et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of subcutaneous tunneling on peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in terms of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). METHODS: Our dual-facility central institutional […]
Kamishibai cards to sustain evidence-based health care-associated infection prevention

Sustaining healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention practices is complex. We examined the use of Kamishibai Cards (K Cards) as a tool to encourage compliance interactions between leaders and staff” Shea et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sustaining healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention practices is complex. We examined the use of Kamishibai Cards (K Cards) as a tool to […]
Safety of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter use in OPAT for children

To determine the safety of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use for delivery of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (PAT) in children discharged to rural or urban locales. We hypothesized that children from rural settings would experience higher complication rates” Beachum et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) […]
Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided cannulation via the right brachiocephalic vein

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is difficult to perform and is a high-risk operation; ultrasound (US)-guided cannulation helps increase the odds of success while reducing the associated complications” Xia et al (2018). Abstract: Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is difficult to perform and is a high-risk operation; ultrasound (US)-guided cannulation helps increase the odds of […]
Preventing occupational exposure to cytotoxic and other hazardous drugs

The workplace exposure to dangerous drugs and the resulting health risks for healthcare personnel have been well known and documented for over four decades, since it first became a recognised safety risk in the United States in the 1970s” Sessink et al (2016). Extract: This recommendation is particularly imperative in the healthcare sector. While the […]
Guidance on handling of injectable cytotoxic drugs in clinical areas

This document provides guidance on the handling of cytotoxic chemotherapy and its focus is on traditional small molecule chemotherapy although there are references to biological therapies including monoclonal antibodies which are being used in increasing numbers” NHS Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee (2018). Extract: This document provides guidance on the handling of cytotoxic chemotherapy and its […]
Type of flush solution for implantable port?

In this context, it was intended to determine the effectiveness of a heparin solution compared to sodium chloride 0.9% in the permeability of implanted ports in adults with oncology disease” Ramada et al (2018). Abstract: Totally implantable catheter (CVCTI) is a type of central venous catheter that becomes an essential resource because it increases the […]
Improving care associated with needleless connectors

This study aims the improvement of the CVC management, using a double lumen extension line with needleless connectors, in acute leukemia (AL) patients population undergoing high dose chemotherapy treatments” Martinez et al (2018). Abstract: Background: With the increase in the number, frequency and duration of treatments, long-term catheters were needed to allow different and continuous […]