Options for difficult central venous cannulation insertion?
A commonly encountered difficulty during US-guided cannulation is the small lumen of the vessel (especially internal jugular vein) in patients who are volume deficient or have a history of multiple cannulations” Dhiman et al (2018). Extract: “A commonly encountered difficulty during US-guided cannulation is the small lumen of the vessel (especially internal jugular vein) in […]
Evaluation of oral anticoagulants for the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis
Cancer is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism of four to sixfold. Cancer-related interventions such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and indwelling central venous catheters also increase the risk of venous thromboembolism” Franco-Moreno et al (2018). Abstract: Cancer is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism of four to sixfold. Cancer-related interventions such […]
Impact on mortality of time of central catheter removal in candidemia
Evaluate the effect of time to CVC removal, early (within 48h from the diagnosis of candidemia) vs. removal at any time during the course of candidemia, on the 30-day mortality” Nucci et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The impact of central venous catheter (CVC) removal on the outcome of patients with candidemia is controversial, with studies […]
Review of interhospital transfer of children in septic shock
To determine the factors that influence the decision to transfer children in septic shock from level II to level I pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) care” Odetola et al (2018). Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors that influence the decision to transfer children in septic shock from level II to level I pediatric intensive care […]
Safety interventions lower radiation doses during central venous line placement in children
The purpose of this study was to reduce radiation exposure during pediatric central venous line (CVL) placement by implementing a radiation safety process including a radiation safety briefing and a job-instruction model with a preradiation time-out” Choi et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to reduce radiation exposure during pediatric central […]
Ultrasound peripheral IV catheter insertion reduces central line placement
Our primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients that required CVC after USPIV. Our secondary objective was to determine if classic risk factors for difficult vascular access were predictive of future CVC placement” Pare et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: Ultrasound guided peripheral intravenous catheters (USPIV) are frequently utilized in the Emergency Department (ED) […]
What are the main reasons for rejection of haematology phlebotomy specimens?
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and reasons for rejected haematology specimens, preanalytical variables which may affect specimen quality, and consequences of rejection, and provide suggestions on monitoring quality indicators as to obtain a quality improvement” Ye et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Specimen adequacy is a crucial preanalytical factor affecting accuracy […]
Increased mortality and adverse events in older blood transfused trauma patients
The transfusion of older packed RBCs may be harmful in critically ill patients. We seek to determine the association between packed RBC age and mortality among trauma patients requiring massive packed RBC transfusion” Jones et al (2018). Abstract: Study objective: The transfusion of older packed RBCs may be harmful in critically ill patients. We seek […]
Review of ultrasonography in Italian anesthesiology
The appropriate training in the use of ultrasound in anesthesia, intensive-care medicine, and pain therapy should be implemented in south of Italy to make uniform the widespread of ultrasonography in anesthesia, in all Italian regions” Fusco et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: In recent years, ultrasound has seen a rapid development with numerous applications in anesthesia, […]
Reducing need for PICC placement with short course IV antibiotics
Post-cholecystostomy outcomes were comparable between short-course and long-course antibiotics, consistent with emerging literature supporting short-course antibiotics for intra-abdominal infection with source control” Walker et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Current guidelines do not specifically address optimal antibiotic duration following cholecystostomy. This study compares outcomes for short-course (
What are the compliance rates with IV smart pump drug libraries
Our findings support that there are differences in IV smart pump compliance both within and between hospital systems and that IV smart pump type and the number of drug library profiles may be influencing factors” Giuliano et al (2018). Reference: Background: Although intravenous (IV) smart pumps with built-in dose-error reduction systems (DERS) can reduce IV […]
Transjugular retrieval of a knotted peripherally inserted central venous catheter
Knotting of intravascular catheters has been well described, and all such cases documented in the literature have occurred during catheter insertion” Zhou et al (2018). Abstract: Knotting of intravascular catheters has been well described, and all such cases documented in the literature have occurred during catheter insertion. Knot formation has not been reported during the […]
Repair or replace fractured pediatric central venous catheters
Central venous catheter (CVC) fracture is a common complication. The aim of this study is to examine risk factors resulting in CVC fracture and compare outcomes of children undergoing CVC repair versus replacement” Zens et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheter (CVC) fracture is a common complication. The aim of this study is to […]
Is fluoroscopy necessary for central venous port placement?
The aim of this study is to determine whether intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF) is required to confirm the correct position of the catheter tip in children” Dore et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Central venous port (CVP) placement is traditionally performed under fluoroscopy guidance. However, efforts for radiation dose reduction in children have allowed the introduction of […]
Association of blood culture frequency and CLABSI rates?
Aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of BCs, the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and to study the association between both parameters on intensive care units in Germany over time” Salm et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Blood cultures (BCs) are the gold standard for diagnosing sepsis and are prerequisite for […]
Performance of peripheral intravenous catheterization in relation to work experience
The aim of this study was to explore general registered nurses’ (RNs) assessments of problems associated with difficult peripheral intravenous catheterization (PIVC) depending on their years of working experience, that is, those who had worked 3 years or less and those who had worked more than 3 years” Sandström and Forsberg (2018). Abstract: The aim […]
How to use topical anesthetics and distraction for peripheral IV catheter placement
The purpose of this article is to educate nursing staff of the importance of using topical analgesics such as LMX4 and EMLA, needle free lidocaine injections, as well as different methods of distraction to successfully place a peripheral intravenous catheter in a pediatric patient on first attempt” Martin (2018). Abstract: Placing a peripheral intravenous catheter […]
Review of central venous cannulation and Seldinger technique
Central venous cannulation using the basic principles of the Seldinger technique is a core skill for anaesthetists and critical care doctors in situations where intravenous access is difficult or multiple infusions are required” Williamson and Cattlin (2018). Abstract: Central venous cannulation using the basic principles of the Seldinger technique is a core skill for anaesthetists […]
Microcatheter access port for intra-arterial therapy of liver cancer
To develop an implantable port in which a microcatheter can be inserted for a combination therapy of repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for advanced liver cancer” Fukuoka et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: To develop an implantable port in which a microcatheter can be inserted for a combination therapy of repeated […]
Improving access to appropriate post-exposure doxycycline for Lyme disease prophylaxis
We challenge restrictions to the appropriate and timely provision of therapy for Lyme disease and encourage the use of community pharmacists in managing these patients” Dering-Anderson and Adams (2018). Abstract: The transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi to humans through tick bites results in Lyme disease. Appropriate therapy for Lyme disease is antibacterial drugs, most often doxycycline. […]
Predictors of tunneled hemodialysis catheter infection or dysfunction
To assess the ability of various clinical factors to predict infection or dysfunction of tunneled hemodialysis catheters” Coker et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: To assess the ability of various clinical factors to predict infection or dysfunction of tunneled hemodialysis catheters. METHODS: A retrospective review of all adult patients who had a tunneled hemodialysis catheter placed […]
What are the three most common phlebotomy errors?
Our objective was to determine the compliance rate of the different steps of the phlebotomy procedure and propose corrective actions” Merzougui et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Phlebotomy is taking a venous blood sample for a medical biology analysis. If the taking of a sample is poorly executed, the results for this sample may be inaccurate […]
Effects of serial phlebotomy on vascular endothelial function
Four serial phlebotomy procedures over six months with or without intravenous iron supplementation did not alter vascular endothelial function in the brachial artery when compared with sham phlebotomy” Jelani et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Blood donation has been proposed as a potential therapy to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, but the effects of phlebotomy on […]
Phlebotomy tube interference with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lipoprotein subclass analysis
Lipoprotein subclass analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can be used in risk assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There is little information in the literature regarding phlebotomy tube interferences with NMR testing” Needham et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein subclass analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can be used in risk assessment of atherosclerotic […]
Hand hygiene compliance factors among infection control nurses
We assessed the current status of knowledge, perception, attitude, and role model regarding hand hygiene (HH) among infection control nurses (ICNs) and identified the factors influencing these variables” Oh (2018). Abstract: Background: We assessed the current status of knowledge, perception, attitude, and role model regarding hand hygiene (HH) among infection control nurses (ICNs) and identified […]
Patient acceptance of outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy
Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) can facilitate early discharge; however, not all offered OPAT can accept. We assessed factors associated with acceptance of OPAT in a large Asian tertiary hospital cohort” Wee et al (2018). Abstract: Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) can facilitate early discharge; however, not all offered OPAT can accept. We assessed factors […]
Quality of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the patients’ perspective on high-quality care, and to explore what patient-centred care means to adult OPAT patients” Berrevoets et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Current outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) guidelines recommend delivering patient-centred care. However, little is known about what patients define as good quality of […]
Evaluation of domiciliary iloprost through elastomeric pump
We describe our protocol and report our experience with 12 patients, for a total of 25 infusions, who have received domiciliary iloprost through elastomeric pump” Duarte et al (2018). Abstract: Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DU) are the main clinical features of vasculopathy that occurs in several systemic rheumatic diseases. Intravenous iloprost is recommended […]
Clinical presentation and therapeutic management of venous thrombosis in young children
Young children with VTE most commonly have CVC-VTE and approximately one-tenth and one-fourth received no or only short durations of anticoagulant therapy, respectively” Chan et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in young children is not well documented. METHODS: Clinicians from 12 institutions retrospectively evaluated the presentation, therapeutic management, and outcome of VTE in […]
Introduction of antiseptic octenidine-based bathing in the ICU
The implementation of universal octenidine-based bathing combined with a standardised washing regime led to a significant reduction of nosocomial VRE” Messler et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) is emerging in German intensive care units (ICUs). On a 32 bed surgical ICU at a university hospital increasing numbers of nosocomial cases occurred despite […]