Chronic intestinal failure cost analysis shows decline after first year
HPN related costs accounted for the majority of the total expenses in IF patients. The costs declined after the first year due to a reduction in complications and hospital admissions” Canovaiet al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic intestinal failure is a complex medical condition which is associated with high costs. These patients require long-term […]
Home parenteral nutrition patients participate in an international study on quality of life
The aims of this study were: to re-assess the basic psychometric properties of the HPN-QOL© in a multinational sample of adult patients; to provide a description of QOL dimensions by short and long HPN treatment duration; to explore clinical factors potentially associated to QOL scores” Baxter et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND & AIMS: Home parenteral […]
Thromboembolism incidence and risk factors in children with cancer
Objectives were to describe the incidence and risk factors of TE in children with cancer” Pelland-Marcotte et al (2018). Abstract: There is conflicting information about the epidemiology of thromboembolism (TE) in paediatric oncology. Objectives were to describe the incidence and risk factors of TE in children with cancer. We included all children with cancer less […]
Patient experience with vascular access during treatment for early-stage breast cancer
Most patients reported being satisfied with the vascular access used for their treatment. Improved education and understanding about the evidence-based requirements for vascular access are needed” LeVasseur et al (2018). Abstract BACKGROUND: The choice of vascular access for systemic therapy administration in breast cancer remains an area of clinical equipoise, and patient preference is not […]
Optimizing vascular access for early-stage breast cancer patients
Despite widespread use of chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer, the type of venous access used for treatment varies significantly, as do perceptions about the risks of cvad use and the risk for lymphedema development” LeVasseur et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite advances in systemic therapy choices for patients with early-stage breast cancer, optimal practices […]
Phlebitis assessment associated with peripheral vein cannulation
Duration of venous cannulation median indicated that most of the catheters were removed on the second day. When veins inflammation was diagnosed, the most frequent action was to remove the catheter” Cimała et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Peripheral veins cannulation is one of the most frequently executed medical procedures. Primary blood infections which might be […]
Impact of home parenteral nutrition on improving quality of life
To assess the effectiveness of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in improving survival and quality of life in people with inoperable MBO” Sowerbutts et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with advanced ovarian or gastrointestinal cancer may develop malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). They are able to tolerate limited, if any, oral or enteral (via a tube directly […]
Treatment options for extravasation of liposomal and pegylated liposomal anthracyclines
The aim of this paper was to review the scientific literature on the extravasation of liposomal and pegylated liposomal anthracyclines and determine the clinical impact of this type of extravasation, focusing on dexrazoxane” Caballero Romero et al (2018). Abstract: The extravasation of chemotherapeutic agents is a challenge for oncologic care teams. The management of nonliposomal […]
Recommended implantable port flush volume identified
This study investigates the best irrigation volume for an intravenous port by simulating the clinical scenario ex-vivo to access its usefulness” Wu et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: An intravenous port, which differs from a central venous catheter, has an injection chamber at the end of the catheter. This structural difference causes the irrigation flow pattern […]
Peripheral intravenous catheter first time insertion rates
Peripheral intravenous catheter insertion is a clinical procedure commonly performed by nurses for pediatric patients in Bhutan. This study describes peripheral intravenous catheter first attempt success and factors associated with such insertions” Choden et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Peripheral intravenous catheter insertion is a clinical procedure commonly performed by nurses for pediatric patients in Bhutan. […]
Vascular access device placement in elderly hemodialysis patients
Among incident hemodialysis patients ≥80 years of age, placement of an AVF from a CVC within the first year of dialysis had similar mortality compared with initial AVF use. Our data suggest that initial CVC use with later placement of an AVF may be an acceptable option among elderly hemodialysis patients” Ko et al(2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: […]
Intraosseous access device comparison of efficacy
As an alternative, medications and fluids can be administered via the intraosseous (IO) route, which is a well-tolerated and established alternative, especially in the emergency setting” Szarpak et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obtaining intravascular access can be challenging or even impossible in several clinical situations. As an alternative, medications and fluids can be administered via […]
Umbilical catheter-related complications identified with ultrasound
This pictorial review illustrates the sonographic findings of complications that should be excluded in the sick neonate with an indwelling catheter” Selvam et al (2018). Abstract: Umbilical catheters are commonly used in the neonatal period for blood sampling or for administering medication or parenteral nutrition. The position of the catheter is usually confirmed with radiography. […]
Introduction of peripheral IV cannula care programme
A Quality Improvement Programme was initiated that centred on hand hygiene (HH) compliance before and after patient contact, and the introduction of peripheral cannula care and surveillance” Bowley et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The WHO Constitution enshrines ‘…the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being.’ Strengthening delivery of health […]
Subcutaneous administration of biotherapeutics overview
Subcutaneous delivery of biotherapeutics has become a valuable alternative to intravenous administration across many disease areas” Bittner et al (2018). Abstract: Subcutaneous delivery of biotherapeutics has become a valuable alternative to intravenous administration across many disease areas. Although the pharmacokinetic profiles of subcutaneous and intravenous formulations differ, subcutaneous administration has proven effective, safe, well-tolerated, generally […]
Evaluation of a hospital-wide infection control programme
To evaluate whether a hospital-wide infection control programme (ICP) is effective at reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and associated severe sepsis/septic shock or death (severe HAIs)” Hagel et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate whether a hospital-wide infection control programme (ICP) is effective at reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and associated […]
Aggressive fluid therapy for pain control in pediatric acute pancreatitis
However, most of these interventions are tailored for adult patients and there is a paucity of information regarding the optimal analgesic intervention for pediatric patients suffering from AP in the emergency department” Assadi (2018). Abstract: It has been estimated that the incidence of emergency department visits due to acute pancreatitis (AP) in children is roughly […]
Assisted tunneled cuffed central catheter placement
We developed a new device to support accurate placement of the tunneled cuffed catheter. In this study, we report our first clinical experience of the device” Ohara et al (2018). Abstract: Introduction: The tunneled cuffed catheter is used in hemodialysis patients for whom an arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft is not suitable or for bridging […]
ECG PICC tip location accuracy and safety reviewed
This study was aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of bedside electrocardiograph (ECG)-guided tip location technique in PICC in cancer patients, and compared with traditional chest radiography tip location technique” Li et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) has the advantages of higher safety, lower infection rate and […]
Central line infection prevention focusing on removal of unnecessary central lines
We demonstrated that a workable MIPT initiative focusing on removal of unnecessary CL and UC can be easily implemented in an LTACH requiring minimal time and resources. A rebound increase in UC-DURs to pre-intervention levels after intervention end indicates that continued vigilance is required to maintain performance” Chandramohan et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged central […]
Ultrasound-guided totally implantable venous access ports insertion technique
“This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of implantation of ultrasound (US)-guided TIVAPs via the right innominate vein (INV) for adult patients with cancer” Sun et al (2018).
CRBSI in patients with acute type II intestinal failure admitted to a national centre
Avoidance, prompt recognition and appropriate management of CVC-related infections are crucial components of IF care. However, there are few, if any, data on the occurrence of CVC-related infections in patients with acute, type 2, IF managed on a dedicated IF unit and no data on the salvage outcomes of infected CVCs in this group of […]
The benefit of point-of-care ultrasound in trauma
In this review, we discuss these applications and the supporting evidence for point-of-care ultrasound in trauma” Gleeson and Blehar (2018). Abstract: The use of point-of-care ultrasound in trauma is widespread. Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma examination is a prototypical bedside examination used by the treating provider to quickly determine need for intervention and appropriate […]
Central venous access device complication rates in adult critical care settings
Central venous access device complications and device failure is a prevalent and significant problem in the adult ICU, leading to substantial patient harm and increased healthcare costs” Takashima et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To examine the proportion and rate of central venous access device failure and complications across central venous access device types in adult […]
OPAT: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy review in the UK
This study reviews the current OPAT service provision in the UK and evaluates concordance with the national OPAT practice guidelines (standards of care)” Durojaiye et al (2018). Abstract: This study reviews the current OPAT service provision in the UK and evaluates concordance with the national OPAT practice guidelines (standards of care). We conducted a survey […]
Central venous catheter-related infections caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum
We observed that during cancer treatment, invasive corynebacterial infections occurred independent of certain factors, such as age and gender, underlying diseases and neutropenia” Carvalho et al (2018). Abstract: Bloodstream and venous catheter-related corynebacterial infections in paediatric patients with haematological cancer were investigated from January 2003 to December 2014 at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute in […]
Predicting IV fluid responsiveness and its importance in the treatment of shock
This review of literature highlights the differences between static and dynamic measurements of fluid responsiveness, and proposes a guide to choosing the most reliable methods of ascertaining volume responsiveness individualized to each patient” Jalil and Cavallazzi (2018). Abstract: Volume resuscitation is of utmost importance in the treatment of shock. It is imperative that this resuscitation […]
AV fistula complications associated with buttonhole access
In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the choice of cannulation technique – buttonhole with sharp or blunt needles – affected the development of arteriovenous fistula complications” Staaf and Uhlin (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis requires a vascular access, most commonly an arteriovenous fistula, which many patients consider a lifeline. It is important to select […]
Ultrasound peripheral IV catheter insertion helps first time insertion
Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous line (PIV) placement is associated with increased success rates, decreased time to cannulation, and fewer skin punctures than traditional, landmark-based techniques” Gottlieb et al (2018). Abstract: Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous line (PIV) placement is associated with increased success rates, decreased time to cannulation, and fewer skin punctures than traditional, landmark-based techniques. However, it […]
IV flush solution for peripheral intravenous catheters in children
“Since heparin has negative side effects, the aim of this study was to examine whether or not there is any scientific support for intermittent flush with heparin being more efficient in extending the time in situ as compared to intermittent flush with sodium chloride” Gunes and Bramhagen et al (2018).