Review of intravenous device occlusion during syringe pump use
Unintentional catecholamine flush caused by inappropriate release of an intravenous occlusion during use of a syringe pump in the intensive care unit (ICU) can have dangerous consequences in patients receiving critical care. We investigated whether anesthesiology residents understood how to deal with syringe pump occlusion in a simulated ICU setting” Kariya et al (2019). Abstract: […]
Job burnout reduces hand hygiene compliance among nursing staff
The aim of the study was to examine whether job burnout reduces hand washing compliance among nursing staff” Manomenidis et al (2019). Abstract: Objectives: Health professional burnout has been associated with suboptimal care and reduced patient safety. However, the extent to which burnout influences hand hygiene compliance among health professionals has yet to be explored. […]
Implementation of extended-infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam dosing protocol
Piperacillin-tazobactam infusions were administered faster than recommended during implementation (i.e., peri-EI) despite standardized orders” J Rhodes et al 92019). Abstract: Compliance with recommended infusion rates was evaluated before, during, and after the implementation of extended-infusion (EI) piperacillin-tazobactam at an academic medical center. Software-controlled infusion-pump alert data were studied for piperacillin-tazobactam administrations before and after implementation […]
Totally implantable venous access ports in the upper arm
This retrospective study investigated the safety, technical feasibility, and device-related complications of totally implantable venous access ports implanted in the upper arm” Xu et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Totally implantable venous access ports are widely used in chemotherapy for malignant tumors. This retrospective study investigated the safety, technical feasibility, and device-related complications of totally implantable […]
Ultrasound guided techniques for peripheral IV placement in children
Different techniques have been used to improve first pass success rates in children with known history of difficult venous access including surface landmarking, local warming, transillumination, ultrasonography, epidermal nitroglycerin, central venous access, intraosseus placement and venous cutdown” Munshey et al (2019). Abstract: Peripheral intravenous placement in children can be challenging. Different techniques have been used […]
Twice daily Cefazolin in the OPAT setting
The use of twice daily cefazolin for serious MSSA infection on an OPAT program is safe and effective. Further study is needed to assess for noninferiority to conventional treatment regimes” Birrell and Fuller (2019). Abstract BACKGROUND: The use of cefazolin for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus has been demonstrated to be effective, and associated with […]
Insulin therapy in hospitalized patients
Hyperglycemia is prevalent and is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Insulin therapy is the most appropriate method for controlling glycemia in hospital, but is associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia, which is a barrier to achieving glycemic goals” Pérez et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is prevalent and is […]
Subcutaneous Magnesium Sulfate to correct hypomagnesemia
We describe the management of chronic hypomagnesemia and dehydration secondary to a high-output ileostomy following radiation and chemotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma with intermittent home-based subcutaneous magnesium infusions in a 61-year-old female with a history of Crohn’s disease and multiple bowel resections” Makowsky et al (2019). Abstract: Fluid and magnesium abnormalities are common in […]
Contamination of hospital facilities by intravenous antineoplastic drugs
Over the past 40 years, numerous actions have been undertaken to decrease the contamination of hospital facilities by intravenous conventional antineoplastic drugs (ICADs) such as centralizing compounding in pharmacies, using personal protective equipment, specific compounding, or infusion devices” Simon et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Over the past 40 years, numerous actions have been undertaken to […]
Arrhythmias in children with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters
To analyze the prevalence, types, and risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in children” Dhillon et al (2019). Abstract: To analyze the prevalence, types, and risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in children. This is a case-control single center retrospective study. From 3180 […]
Retrospective analysis of central venous catheters in elective intracranial surgery
It remains unclear whether the use of central venous catheters (CVC) improves a patient’s clinical outcome after elective intracranial supratentorial procedures” Löser et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether the use of central venous catheters (CVC) improves a patient’s clinical outcome after elective intracranial supratentorial procedures. METHODS: This two-armed, single-center retrospective study sought […]
ECG-guided technique for umbilical venous catheterisation
To investigate the effectiveness and safety of modified electrocardiogram (ECG)-guided technique in umbilical venous catheterisation in neonates” Wu et al (2019). Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of modified electrocardiogram (ECG)-guided technique in umbilical venous catheterisation in neonates. METHODS: Sixty-six critically ill neonates underwent umbilical venous catheterisation with (ECG group) or without (control […]
Lactic acidemia due to an infliximab infusion reaction
After ruling out other potential causes of lactic acidemia, her final diagnosis was determined to be the rare presentation of an infliximab infusion reaction” Vigh and Levy (2019). Abstract: We present the case of a patient who presented to the emergency department complaining of diffuse myalgias, severe jaw pain and chills. She met criteria for […]
Venipuncture nerve injuries from more than 1 million procedures
The purpose of this study was to investigate the nerve injury rate for 1 million venipunctures and the efficacy of attempts to avoid severe nerve injury” Tsukuda et al (2019). Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the nerve injury rate for 1 million venipunctures and the efficacy of attempts to avoid […]
Early intravenous iron administration reduces red blood cell transfusion
The implementation of Patient Blood Management principles and early intravenous iron therapy in the Emergency Department have proved to be effective tools to optimise resources both in terms of units transfused and costs” Beverina et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Moderate to severe iron deficiency anaemia is a common finding in patients admitted to the Emergency […]
Design and implementation of infusion monitor software
To design an infusion monitor software and implement the establishment of wireless intelligent infusion monitoring system in hospital infusion area combined with the existing platform equipment in the laboratory” Wu et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To design an infusion monitor software and implement the establishment of wireless intelligent infusion monitoring system in hospital infusion area […]
Practical guide for safe central venous catheterization
However, because it may occasionally cause lethal complications, we developed this practical guide that will help a novice operator successfully perform central venous catheterization using ultrasound guidance” Safety Committee of Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists (2019). Abstract: Central venous catheterization is a basic skill applicable in various medical fields. However, because it may occasionally cause lethal […]
Review of trimmed PICC for neonatal patients
PICCs are generally the venous access method of choice for long term access in neonates despite the risk of complications” Jahagirdar and Featherstone (2019). Excerpt: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are thin tubes inserted for central venous access. They are minimally invasive and used where longer-term intravenous access is required to administer therapeutic needs such […]
Intraosseous catheterization during pediatric resuscitation
Our objective is to identify factors associated with the attempt and timing of IO catheterization in a pediatric emergency department (ED) resuscitation setting” Lee et al (2019). Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVE: Factors associated with intraosseous (IO) catheterization are not well described. Our objective is to identify factors associated with the attempt and timing of IO catheterization […]
Needle migration in intravenous drug users
While intravenous drug users occasionally report the breaking of a needle into the skin or subcutaneous tissue, central needle migration remains a rare but potentially devastating complication” Levy et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Thirteen million people inject drugs globally, making intravenous drug abuse a substantial concern worldwide. While intravenous drug users occasionally report the breaking […]
Vascular access cannulation in hemodialysis patients
The objective of this study was to evaluate the cannulation technique and to determine which factors are associated with each detail of the technique” Castro et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The vascular access cannulation technique varies among clinics, and guidelines on vascular access give little importance to cannulation techniques. The objective of this study was […]
Incidence of midline catheter-associated bloodstream infections
In a retrospective study conducted over 12 months in a multi-hospital system, the incidence of bloodstream infections associated with midline catheters was not significantly lower than that associated with central venous catheters” Hogle et al (2019). Abstract: In a retrospective study conducted over 12 months in a multi-hospital system, the incidence of bloodstream infections associated […]
Ultrasound for peripheral IV and arterial access
The aim of this review article is to provide concise and practical information on the basics of ultrasound and its application to obtain peripheral venous and arterial access” Oliver et al (2019). Abstract: Peripheral venous access is perhaps the most commonly performed procedure in hospitals, urgent care, or surgical centers across the country. The ability […]
OPAT experience in Switzerland
We aimed to study the OPAT programme at the University Hospital Basel during a 3-year period to evaluate safety and outcome” Erba et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programmes are established in the minority of Swiss hospitals. We aimed to study the OPAT programme at the University Hospital Basel during a […]
National cost burden of in-hospital needlestick injuries
In the United States, the annual cost burden was estimated as somewhere between $118 million to $591 million; in the United Kingdom it is approximated to be £500,000 (US$919,117.65) per the National Health Service” Kunishima et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Needlestick injury (NSI) is one of the most burdensome professional hazards in any medical setting; […]
Superior vena cava duplication and central line placement
We present a case of a central venous catheter placement with port for chemotherapy use, during which a duplication of a superior vena cava was discovered on CTA chest after fluoroscopy could not confirm placement of the guidewire” Gunther et al (2019). Abstract: 5 million central venous access lines are placed every year in the […]
Competency-based point-of-care ultrasound curriculum
Point-of-care ultrasound is becoming increasingly utilized in centers throughout the country for use in perioperative regional anesthesia procedures, vascular access, diagnosis, and resuscitation” Rashid et al (2019). Abstract: Point-of-care ultrasound is becoming increasingly utilized in centers throughout the country for use in perioperative regional anesthesia procedures, vascular access, diagnosis, and resuscitation. We propose an educational […]
New registry of vascular access for hemodialysis
We have developed a new registry of the Vascular Accesses (VA) of all the patients afferent to our health district in order to improve their management” Lefons et al (2019). Abstract: We have developed a new registry of the Vascular Accesses (VA) of all the patients afferent to our health district in order to improve […]
Review of needlestick prevention safety devices
Our surveillance investigated the frequency and the modality of SED-related NSIs in the Piedmont region to verify changes in the epidemiology of these events” Ottino et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) involving healthcare workers (HCWs) are worldwide under surveillance since long time; the implementation of the European Directive 32/2010 regarding the […]
Inadvertent insertion of central catheter into the internal thoracic vein
Here, the authors describe a case in which a fully implantable catheter was inadvertently positioned in the right internal thoracic vein” Tristão et al (2019). Abstract: Central venous catheters are widely used in clinical practice and are linked to many types of complications, including incorrect positioning at the time the catheter is fitted. Here, the […]