Effectiveness of ‘hospital in the home’ and ‘outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy’
The aim of this study was to systematically review the published literature of observational studies evaluating the safety and effectiveness of hospital in the home (HITH) and outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in the general population, older people and children” Sriskandarajah et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review […]
Efficacy of urokinase lock to treat thrombotic dysfunction of tunneled hemodialysis catheters
There are few data to inform decisions about the optimal management of occluded tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheters with thrombolytic locking solutions. The effect of dose, dwell-time, and number of administrations remains controversial” Van Hulle et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are few data to inform decisions about the optimal management of occluded tunneled cuffed hemodialysis […]
The role of simulation in central venous catheterization training
In this review, we discuss relevant adult learning principles that support simulation-based CVC training, review the literature on simulation-based CVC training, and highlight the use of simulation-based CVC training programs at various institutions” Soffler et al (2018). Abstract: Simulation is a popular and effective training modality in medical education across a variety of domains. Central […]
Central venous catheter occlusion during chronic epoprostenol infusion
Due to its short half-life, its solution must be prepared frequently and administered as a continuous intravenous infusion” Kopeć et al (2018). Abstract: Epoprostenol sodium is recommended for the treatment of high-risk patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The use of high doses of this drug has been associated with long-term survival. Due to its short […]
Will peripheral parental nutrition containing amino acids prevent Bacillus cereus?
Patients receiving peripheral parenteral nutrition containing amino acids are at higher risk of developing Bacillus cereus bloodstream infections, compared with those receiving other parenteral nutrition solutions” Shiota et al (2018). Background: Patients receiving peripheral parenteral nutrition containing amino acids are at higher risk of developing Bacillus cereus bloodstream infections, compared with those receiving other parenteral […]
Review of home haemodialysis in the Netherlands
Home haemodialysis (HHD) has gained popularity in recent years, due to improved clinical outcomes associated with frequent or prolonged haemodialysis sessions, best achievable at home” Bonenkamp et al (2018). Abstract: Home haemodialysis (HHD) has gained popularity in recent years, due to improved clinical outcomes associated with frequent or prolonged haemodialysis sessions, best achievable at home. […]
Comparison of complications between peripheral arm ports and central chest ports
Arm ports are a safe option beside chest ports for adult patients with malignancy, especially in patients with head-neck cancer or breast cancer. Patients should be well informed of the advantages and disadvantages of different vascular access devices and provided a choice” Wu et al (2018). Abstract: AIM: To compare peripheral arm ports versus central […]
Ultrasound-guided versus landmark approach for peripheral intravenous access
The aim of this study was to compare an ultrasound-guided method (UGM) versus the landmark method (LM) for the placement of a PIVC in ICU patients who no longer require a central intravenous catheter (CIVC)” Bridey et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Establishing a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) after a long intensive care unit (ICU) stay […]
ECG-guided PICC tip position verification in patients with atrial fibrillation
The ECG-guided technique represents a safe and accurate technique to verify the position of PICC tip in patients with AF and could potentially remove the requirement for postprocedural chest X-ray among the patients with AF” Gao et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tip position verification of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) is essential to the use […]
Chest wall hematoma after central venous hemodialysis catheter insertion
The right subclavian hemodialysis catheter was inserted for hemodialysis on the same day. She did not have a history of bleeding disorders and was not taking any antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents. Additionally, she had no recent trauma episodes. Physical examination revealed a large ecchymosis over the anterior right chest wall with swelling and tenderness” Wu […]
How to undertake CLABSI surveillance in home infusion therapy
The importance of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention has been increasingly recognized over the last 2 decades in acute care settings” Keller et al (2018). Abstract: The importance of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention has been increasingly recognized over the last 2 decades in acute care settings. National policies focusing on surveillance and […]
Interventions to decrease short-term peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infections
To assess the effectiveness of interventions applied to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with short peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (PVCR-BSI)” Saliba et al (2018). Summary: Background: Short-term peripheral venous catheters are a significant source of health-care acquired bloodstream infections and a preventable cause of death. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of interventions applied […]
Thrombogenic superior vena cava syndrome from long-standing central venous access
The increased use of central venous catheters has resulted in more non-malignant cases of superior vena cava syndrome across all age groups. We present a 5-year-old male with superior vena cava syndrome associated with acute onset of severe upper extremity and facial swelling, dyspnea, and a right subclavian central venous catheter malfunction” Ji et al […]
Skin problems associated with insulin pumps and sensors in adults
The aim of this study was to describe the dermatological complications associated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in adults” Berg et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the future, widespread use of closed-loop infusion (artificial pancreas) systems to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) may significantly improve glycemic control and enhance […]
Insulin pump breakdown and infusion set failure in Italian children with type 1 diabetes
This prospective 1-yr study on a large cohort of Italian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using insulin pump therapy showed a low total failure rate, highlighting the importance of continuous education to reduce failures” Rabbone et al (2018). Abstract: AIMS: Incidence of insulin pump failures in a cohort of children and adolescents with […]
Central venous line and dialysis catheter position affects drug clearance
The aim of this experimental study was to investigate if the position of CVC and CVDC influences the elimination of infused drugs, during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)” Frithiof et al (2018). Abstract: In intensive care, drugs are commonly administered through central venous catheters (CVC). These catheters and central venous dialysis catheters (CVDC) are often […]
Central venous catheter-associated venous thromboembolism in children
In pediatric oncology, the diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy and presence of a central venous catheter (CVC) have been identified as significant risk factors for the development of a venous thromboembolism (VTE)” Onyeama et al (2018). Abstract: In pediatric oncology, the diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy and presence of a central venous catheter (CVC) have […]
Reducing infusion pump alarms through structured interventions
Alarm fatigue is defined as sensory overload created by an immense number of alarms, which can be either true or false, actionable or nonactionable, and many that are deemed nuisance, all of which result in desensitization of clinicians” Matocha (2018). Abstract: Disturbing noise heard when walking through a hospital has been linked to a serious […]
Risk factors associated with non-mucosal barrier injury CLABSI
Intrinsic risk factors related to treatment and high rates of central line utilization, necessary in HSCT and hematology oncology patients, are reasons hypothesized for CLABSI’s continued overrepresentation in oncology populations” Sams et al (2018). Background: Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) have decreased in hospitalized patients. Despite the National HealthCare Safety Network (NHSN) addition […]
Impact of antibiotic administration on blood culture positivity at the beginning of sepsis
Obtaining blood cultures under antibiotic therapy is associated with a significant loss of pathogen detection. This strongly emphasizes the current recommendation to obtain blood cultures prior to antibiotic administration in patients with sepsis” Scheer et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: Sepsis guidelines recommend obtaining blood cultures before starting anti-infective therapy in patients with sepsis. However, little […]
Quality indicators assessing antibiotic use in the outpatient setting
We identified a set of 32 outpatient QIs to measure the appropriateness of antibiotic use. These QIs can be used to identify targets for improvement and to evaluate the effects of antibiotic stewardship interventions” Le Maréchal et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Quality indicators (QIs) assessing the appropriateness of antibiotic use are essential to identify targets […]
Effectiveness of antimicrobial-coated central venous catheters for preventing CLABSI
Outcomes are superior for catheters impregnated with chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine or other antibiotics than for standard catheters in preventing CRBSIs and catheter colonization under bundles” Wang et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Catheter-related blood-stream infections (CRBSIs) are the most common complication when using central venous catheters (CVCs). Whether coating CVCs under bundles could further reduce the incidence […]
Multimodal approach to reduce vascular access infection in an outpatient dialysis unit
We aimed to describe the incidence of vascular access infections (VAI) over the course of 33 months after implementation of continuous and systematic interventions in an outpatient dialysis unit in Sao Paulo, Brazil” Scorzoni Lessa et al (2018). Background: Central lines have high risk of infection in outpatient hemodialysis, which leads to increased morbidity and […]
Review of ON-Q infusion pump use in orthopaedic surgery
The most notable contribution of this study was the discovery of the adverse effects of the continuous pain pump, ON-Q. Patients treated with this modality had decreased ambulation on postoperative day one and on average remained in the hospital one extra day, a variable that significantly increases the cost of a total knee arthroplasty for […]
Renal vascular access history of a 59years-old male with morbid obesity
Describe the VA history of a 59years-old male with morbid obesity and end-stage chronic kidney disease” Pinto Sousa et al (2017). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Creating and maintaining a functional vascular access(VA) is a critical factor in the survival of a dialysis patient. However, it will not function forever, implying a creative attitude from the vascular surgeon […]
Quality improvement in mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections
Rates of CLABSI and MBI-LCBI in a hematology-oncology unit at an academic hospital started climbing in April 2016. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach was implemented to mitigate the risk. These were the results in the decline of the rates of both CLABSI and MBI-LCBI” Riley et al (2018). Background: Bloodstream infection, including central line-associated bloodstream infection […]
Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement in the emergency department
The objective of this study was to describe the experience regarding placement of ultrasound-guided CVCs by emergency physicians in an institution in Bogotá, as well as the associated complications” Devia Jaramillo et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The use of central venous catheters (CVCs) in the emergency room (ER) is a valuable tool for the comprehensive […]
Decreasing CLABSI incidence associated with decreasing MRSA bacteremia
We compare these indicators and how our efforts to reduce CLABSI affects our MRSA bacteremia LabID Event” Beverly et al (2018). Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates that acute-care hospitals report central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) and MRSA bacteremia LabID events. We compare these indicators and how our efforts to […]
Eliminating neonatal central line associated bloodstream infections
Our 40 bed level III NICU noted an increased incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) after having zero infections for six quarters” McGowan (2018). Background: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) specializes in the critical care of ill or premature newborn infants that are at high risk for hospital acquired infections. Central line […]
Inter-professional approach to decrease the incidence of CLABSI
The goal of this intervention is to decrease CLABSI incidence house-wide by standardizing line selection criteria, care, maintenance, and evaluation for blood cultures” Khalid et al (2018). Background: CLABSIs are serious infections associated with increased length of stay and mortality. Variability existed in facility practices regarding line choice, care, and maintenance of central venous lines […]