Efficacy and safety of continuous infusions with elastomeric pumps
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous antimicrobial infusion using elastomeric pumps in an outpatient setting, while simultaneously documenting circulating antibiotic concentration exposure achieved with this mode of administration” Voumard et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous antimicrobial infusion using elastomeric pumps […]
Clinical and financial effects of smart pump-electronic medical record interoperability
A pharmacist-led implementation of smart pump-EMR interoperability led to measurable, data-based improvements in i.v. medication safety and improved accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency of i.v. infusion documentation. Revenue was increased due to improved charge capture for outpatient i.v. infusions” Biltoft and Finneman (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: The pharmacist-led implementation of a smart pump-electronic medical record (EMR) interoperability […]
Usefulness of ultrasonography for the evaluation of catheter misplacement
To assess whether ultrasonographic examination compared to chest radiography (CXR) is effective for evaluating complications after central venous catheterization” Kim et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess whether ultrasonographic examination compared to chest radiography (CXR) is effective for evaluating complications after central venous catheterization. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study. Immediately after central venous […]
Guidewire-induced asystole following right internal jugular catheter placement
The guidewire-related complications are rare but sometimes it has significant morbidity and mortality. In this case report, we have a patient who developed asystole during catheter insertion which required transvenous pacemaker insertion” Arafa et al (2018). Abstract: Internal jugular venous catheters are widely used for hemodialysis as permanent vascular access in patients with severe peripheral […]
Multi-drug resistant bacteria and the role of central venous catheter lock-therapy
The objectives of this study were to analyse outcomes in cancer patients with LTCVC-associated infection, identify risks for unfavourable outcomes and determine the impact of MDR bacteria and antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) in managing such infections” Freire et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: The management of long-term central venous catheters (LTCVCs) infections by multi-drug resistant (MDR) […]
Can the implantable port dead-volume put patients at risk?
“The dead-volume associated with injection ports used at our institution may be clinically significant, increasing errors in medication delivery and laboratory analysis” Kuntz et al (2018).
The compliance coach for improving central line care and reducing CLABSI
A compliance coach who audits central line maintenance and provides feedback and education to bedside nurses through timely, nonpunitive conversation is an effective addition to busy infection prevention departments” Buchanan et al (2018). Abstract: A compliance coach who audits central line maintenance and provides feedback and education to bedside nurses through timely, nonpunitive conversation is […]
Handgrip exercise reduces peripherally-inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis
Handgrip exercise using an elastic ball daily for three weeks could decrease the incidence of peripherally-inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis. The method is simple, with no negative consequence reported. Further studies are required to confirm this conclusion and to explore the optimal frequency of handgrip exercise” Liu et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripherally-inserted central catheter-related […]
Mechanical complications of central venous catheter insertions
In this retrospective, multicenter observational study on 10 949 central venous catheter insertions, mechanical complications were rare. Preprocedural coagulopathy, number of needle passes, and arterial puncture were associated with grade 2-4 bleeding” Björkander et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Incidence and risk factors for complications after insertion of central venous catheters have previously been reported for […]
Central venous catheter repair is successful in children with intestinal failure
CVC repair is a highly successful procedure with a low risk for infection. Catheter repair should be considered whenever possible as it may extend the lifetime of the catheter and decrease the risk for vascular access loss” Chan et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: Damaged central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly repaired to avoid line replacement […]
Dialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients receiving emergency hemodialysis
Patients receiving emergency-only hemodialysis via tunneled catheters have a high CRBSI rate compared to infection rates previously reported in patients receiving scheduled maintenance hemodialysis. Increased CRSBI risk likely contributes to the increased morbidity and mortality seen in ESRD patients receiving emergency-only hemodialysis” Zhang et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: An estimated 6500 undocumented immigrants with end-stage […]
How to prepare children and families for venipuncture
To report the experience of development of an application program to prepare child and family for venipuncture” Cunha et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To report the experience of development of an application program to prepare child and family for venipuncture. METHOD: Experience report on an application program developed in the professional nursing master’s degree program […]
What are the antidotes for calcium gluconate extravasation?
The aim of the present study is to analyze the beneficial effects of four possible local antidotes for calcium gluconate extravasation: hyaluronidase, sodium thiosulfate, triamcinolone acetonide and physiological saline solution” Pacheco Compaña et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Calcium Gluconate Extravasation is a process that can cause serious lesions, such as necrosis and calcification of the […]
Treatment of radiographic and magnetic resonance contrast medium extravasation
In addition to anaphylactic reactions induced by contrast media (CM), extravasation is an adverse reaction that occurs immediately, requires special treatment, and attention” Hrycyk et al (2018). Abstract: In addition to anaphylactic reactions induced by contrast media (CM), extravasation is an adverse reaction that occurs immediately, requires special treatment, and attention. Since radiologists are often […]
Risk factors of contrast media extravasation during intravenous contrast-enhanced CT scans
To evaluate the frequency, outcome, and risk factors of intravenous contrast media (CM) extravasation during contrast-enhanced CT scans in a large population” Hwang et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency, outcome, and risk factors of intravenous contrast media (CM) extravasation during contrast-enhanced CT scans in a large population. METHODS: After institutional review board […]
Literature review of contrast media extravasation in CT and MRI
There are no uniformly accepted radiological guidelines or recommendations regarding detection and treatment of extravasation events and immanent complications in a timely manner” Mandlik et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Contrast extravasation events in daily radiological routine may lead to serious complications, especially during CT examinations. The resulting symptoms may vary from local pain up to […]
Large-volume iodinated contrast medium extravasation
Our aim was to retrospectively investigate the frequency and outcome of large-volume iodinated contrast medium (CM) extravasation in our institution and to compare our management protocol to current practice” Ko et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to retrospectively investigate the frequency and outcome of large-volume iodinated contrast medium (CM) extravasation in our institution […]
Choice of a second vascular access in hemodialysis patients whose initial arteriovenous fistula failed
There was no significant difference in the total cost of access care for hemodialysis patients receiving a secondary AVF vs AVG” Al-Balas et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We have previously shown that arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are more expensive to create and to maintain than arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) in patients undergoing their first access. Because those […]
Maintenance of the central venous catheters in children on long-term parenteral nutrition
CVC insertion and maintenance in children on home PN varies largely amongst centres in Europe. These differences could be at least partially explained by the lack of up-dated guidelines and limited evidence” Hojsak et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The guidelines for the insertion and maintenance of the central venous catheter (CVC) in children […]
Impact of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rules on withholding reimbursement
In 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stopped reimbursing for hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) not present on admission (POA). We sought to understand why this policy did not impact central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) trends” Calderwood et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In 2008, the Centers for Medicare […]
Preserving skin integrity with chronic device use in diabetes
Skin integrity and diabetes device placement are ongoing concerns for people with diabetes who utilize continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps” Messer et al (2018). Abstract: Skin integrity and diabetes device placement are ongoing concerns for people with diabetes who utilize continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps. […]
Anemia and blood transfusion in elderly trauma patients
We hypothesized that elderly trauma patients would have lower admission hemoglobin (Hb) levels, higher transfusion rates, and worse outcomes than young trauma patients” Loftus et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The natural history of postinjury among elderly trauma patients has not been well described. We hypothesized that elderly trauma patients would have lower admission hemoglobin (Hb) […]
Protocol examines types and frequency of infusion pump alarms
The objectives of this study protocol are to establish baseline data related to the types and frequency of infusion pump alarms from the B. Braun Outlook 400ES Safety Infusion System with the accompanying DoseTrac Infusion Management Software” Glover et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The variety of alarms from all types of medical devices has increased […]
Prevalence of wireless smart-pump drug library update delays
Results of a study to estimate the prevalence and severity of delays in wireless updates of smart-pump drug libraries across a large group of U.S. hospitals are reported” DeLaurentis et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: Results of a study to estimate the prevalence and severity of delays in wireless updates of smart-pump drug libraries across a […]
Assessment of safe injection practices in health facilities in Oman
We conducted a national cross-sectional survey in 2007 using the World Health Organization tool to evaluate injection safety practices. Using 2-stage cluster sampling, 80 government and 61 private health facilities were randomly selected and evaluated” Al Awaidy et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unsafe injection practices put patients and providers at risk of infectious and noninfectious […]
Will early availability of laboratory results increase same day ward discharge rates?
Early availability of blood results prior to ward rounds increased ward discharges but did not affect discharge time” Cornes et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Delayed discharge reduces hospital efficiency and inconveniences patients. Most hospitals discharge in the afternoon, whereas the most common admission time is mid-morning. Consequently, new patients wait for the beds of patients […]
Staphylococcus aureus decolonization in patients on home parenteral nutrition
The CARRIER trial is designed to identify the most safe and effective long-term S. aureus carriage decolonization strategy in HPN patients” Gompelman et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with long-term intestinal failure are usually treated by means of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) where they administer their nutritional formulation intravenously via a central venous access device […]
Estimation of missed bloodstream infections without the third blood culture set
The aim of our study was to determine the proportion of BSIs that would be missed without the third BCS in a hospital where obtaining 3 BCSs is the standard of care” Blanco et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The question of whether to obtain 2 or 3 sets of blood cultures to assess the etiology […]
Wait time following a flush and minimum waste volume required to obtain an undiluted blood sample
“This study aimed to determine the appropriate wait time following a flush and the minimum waste volume required to obtain an undiluted blood sample when using the PIVO device and how that differed from current guidelines from SPC line draws” Adams et al (2018).
Electronic evidence-based medicine tool for vascular access planning
We have developed a tool, called AVATAR, aimed to make easier the implementation of a vascular access planning. It is a newly-designed tool, developed for the clinicians that must decide which type of venous access device is the ideal one in each single patient. It utilizes existing information that may not necessarily be only used […]