Electronic-prescribing and infusion-related medication errors
This study aims to achieve consensus on defining as medication errors a range of either technology-generated, or previously unaddressed infusion-related scenarios, common in the paediatric intensive care setting” Howlett et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of health information technology (HIT) to improve patient safety is widely advocated by governmental and safety agencies. Electronic-prescribing and […]
Needle insertion skill in central venous catheterization training
Training for ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization (CVC) is typically conducted on static manikin simulators with real-time feedback from a skilled observer. Dynamic haptic robotic trainers (DHRTs) are an alternative method that simulates various patient anatomies and provides consistent feedback for each insertion” Chen et al (2018). Abstract; BACKGROUND: Training for ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization (CVC) […]
Surgical treatment of patients with superior vena cava syndrome
Presented herein are two clinical case reports concerning surgical treatment for superior vena cava syndrome in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease and undergoing programmed haemodialysis” Maksimov et al (2018). Abstract: Presented herein are two clinical case reports concerning surgical treatment for superior vena cava syndrome in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease and undergoing […]
Risk of bleeding after ultrasound-guided jugular central venous catheter insertion
We sought to assess the incidence and risk factors of bleeding after ultrasound-guided internal jugular (USGIJ) catheter insertion in severely thrombocytopenic cancer patients, as safe platelet (PLT) count threshold remains controversial” AlRstum et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We sought to assess the incidence and risk factors of bleeding after ultrasound-guided internal jugular (USGIJ) catheter insertion […]
Evaluation of an intraosseous needle causing compartment syndrome
We present a case where point-of-care ultrasound was used to quickly identify a malfunctioning IO needle that resulted in compartment syndrome of the lower extremity” Abramson et al (2018). Abstract: Intraosseous (IO) needles are used in critically ill patients when it is not possible to quickly obtain venous access. While they allow for immediate access, […]
Intravenous catheter-related adverse events during OPAT
Drug-related adverse events (AEs) are reported to be common amongst patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). However, comparative data regarding intravenous (iv) catheter-related AEs are lacking” Underwood et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Drug-related adverse events (AEs) are reported to be common amongst patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). However, comparative data regarding intravenous […]
Home environment hazards among OPAT patients
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) requires that patients and their caregivers administer antimicrobial medications in the home via venous catheters. Hazards from physical attributes of the home environment may impede safe performance of OPAT tasks” Keller et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) requires that patients and their caregivers administer antimicrobial medications […]
Development of paediatric OPAT services
There has been little detailed systematic consideration of the delivery, setting and outcomes of paediatric Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT), although individual studies report that it is a safe and effective treatment” Carter et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: There has been little detailed systematic consideration of the delivery, setting and outcomes of paediatric Outpatient Parenteral […]
Standards of antibiotic stewardship in OPAT services
This narrative review aims to describe barriers of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy at home (OPAT), potentially compromising general standards of antibiotic stewardship (ABS) and facilitators of OPAT for ABS” Steffens et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: This narrative review aims to describe barriers of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy at home (OPAT), potentially compromising general standards of […]
Role of infectious diseases expert team in OPAT services
To evaluate the added value of consultation of an infectious diseases expert team (consisting of two internist-infectious diseases specialists and a microbiologist) for advice regarding type, administration route and duration of antibiotic treatment” Wijnakker et al 92018). Abstract: Background: There is increasing interest in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment. Objective: To evaluate the added value of […]
Central venous access with accelerated seldinger technique
In the simulated setting, the accelerated Seldinger technique using combination CVC devices is a faster and easier method for CVC placement compared to the modified Seldinger technique” Thaut et al 920180. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central vein catheter (CVC) placement using the modified Seldinger technique is a common procedure in the emergency department, but can be time […]
Endovascular procedures for the treatment of vascular access stenosis and thrombosis
There is amassed evidence regarding the use of endovascular procedures for the treatment of vascular access stenosis and thrombosis” Kitrou et al (2018). Abstract: There is amassed evidence regarding the use of endovascular procedures for the treatment of vascular access stenosis and thrombosis. A review was conducted based on available randomized trials, cohort studies and […]
Optimal dialysis vascular access for the elderly
Conflicting data continue to surround the optimal dialysis access for the elderly. Many propose that catheters are the best option for this population; others emphasize the creation of an arteriovenous fistula” Asif et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Conflicting data continue to surround the optimal dialysis access for the elderly. Many propose that catheters are the […]
Risk factors for complications in cancer patients with totally implantable access ports
To analyze the risk factors for complications associated with the use of totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) in cancer patients” Bademler et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To analyze the risk factors for complications associated with the use of totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) in cancer patients. METHODS: Data for 2,713 cancer patients who received a […]
Point-of-care ultrasound-guided AVF needle placement
This pilot and feasibility study will assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial aimed at evaluating whether POCUS-guided cannulation results in more successful and accurate AVF needle placement than the standard practice of blind cannulation” Schoch et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been used in various vascular access contexts; however, to […]
OPAT for complicated Staphylococcus aureus infections
Patients discharged to SNFs may be at higher risk for line events than patients discharged to HHCs. Efforts should be made to strengthen basic OPAT processes, such as lab monitoring and clinic follow-up, at both sites of care” Townsend et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the United States, patients discharged on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy […]
Antifungal therapy safety in the OPAT setting
We suggest that with appropriate patient selection, patients with fungal infections could successfully be treated on OPAT” Rae et al (2018). Abstract: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is an established treatment option for patients with a variety of infections who require a period of intravenous therapy, are clinically stable, and do not require continuous monitoring. […]
Indications and complications of peripherally inserted central catheters
This review describes the indications, contraindications, methods of insertion and complications of PICC” Glauser et al (2018). Abstract: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) can be used for short to medium-term administration of intravenous treatments. Their main advantages lie in their ease of insertion and removal, compared with other types of central venous access. Complications of […]
Overview of anti-thrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheters
A current innovation focus has been the development of anti-thrombogenic catheter materials, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces” Ullman et al (2018). Abstract: Thrombotic complications associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are common, as most synthetic materials when placed in the presence of serum often result in platelet activation, fibrin deposition, thrombotic occlusion and potentially […]
Physico-chemical stability of Plasma-Lyte 148 with common intravenous medications
To investigate the stability of Plasma-Lyte 148 ® and Plasma-Lyte 148 ® + 5% Glucose with eight commonly used therapeutic agents when compared with 5% Glucose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride as diluents” Dawson et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Plasma-Lyte 148 ® is a balanced, crystalloid intravenous (IV) fluid which is both calcium-free and isotonic. It […]
Various vascular access devices in palliative care
A prospective, observational study was conducted in our palliative care unit to assess the impact of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), midline, and “short” midline catheters on the quality of care in cancer and non-cancer patients” Magnani et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: A prospective, observational study was conducted in our palliative care unit to assess […]
Comparison of different ultrasound techniques for jugular venous catheterization
Internal jugular venous catheterization (IJVC) is performed for numerous therapeutic interventions. Although ultrasound-guided IJVC is the gold standard for this procedure, complications can still occur” Chen et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Internal jugular venous catheterization (IJVC) is performed for numerous therapeutic interventions. Although ultrasound-guided IJVC is the gold standard for this procedure, complications can still […]
Folded large-bore central catheter in the right internal jugular vein
Mechanical complications of central venous catheter insertion are well known, but folding of a large-bore catheter in the internal jugular vein has rarely been reported” Pyeon et al (2018). Abstract: Central venous catheters are used for various purposes in the operating room. Generally, the use of ultrasound to insert a central venous catheter is rapid […]
Blunt separation method during modified Seldinger PICC placement
To explore the application value of blunt separation method in the modified Seldinger technology peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) catheterization in the hemopathic patients” Li et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of blunt separation method in the modified Seldinger technology peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) catheterization in the hemopathic patients. METHODS: […]
Antiseptic efficacies of waterless hand rub, chlorhexidine scrub, and povidone-iodine scrub
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the antiseptic efficacies of WHR, CHG, and PI in surgical settings” Ho et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Presurgical hand washing is crucial for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and povidone-iodine (PI) products have been conventionally used as […]
Prediction model for 30-Day unplanned OPAT readmission
The study aim was to develop a prediction model for the risk of 30-day unplanned hospitalisation in patients receiving OPAT” Durojaiye et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is increasingly used to treat a wide range of infections. However, there is risk of hospital readmissions. The study aim was to develop a […]
Central line bundle for prevention of umbilical catheter–related bloodstream infections
The purpose of this 18-month cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bundle applications in the prevention of umbilical venous catheter (UVC)–associated bloodstream infections” Kulali et al (2018). Reference: Background: Central line–associated bloodstream infection is the most common infection associated with health care in preterm infants. The purpose of this 18-month cross-sectional study was […]
Evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of central line–associated bloodstream infections
This study assessed the compliance of Belgian home care nurses with good practice recommendations to prevent central line–associated bloodstream infections” Steffens et al (2018). Abstract: This study assessed the compliance of Belgian home care nurses with good practice recommendations to prevent central line–associated bloodstream infections. The compliance to 3 care bundles was 0% (0 out […]
Hepatitis C virus transmission in a Dutch haemodialysis unit
Haemodialysis is a risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. Two patients receiving haemodialysis in a Dutch dialysis unit in The Hague were found to seroconvert to HCV in December 2016 after the yearly routine control for blood-borne viruses” Heikens et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Haemodialysis is a risk factor for hepatitis C virus […]
Sharp injury meta-analysis and meta-regression
A surgeon will have a sharps injury in about 1 in 10 operations. Reporting of sharps injuries in surgical staff should be standardized per 100 po and be assessed in prospective follow-up studies” Verbeek and Basnet (2018). Abstract: Background: Sharps injuries occur often among surgical staff, but they vary considerably. Methods: We searched PubMed and […]