Outcome of ED visits during outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy treatment
This study’s purpose was to identify risk factors for ED visits during OPAT and risk factors for hospitalization among patients with ED visits” Shrestha et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) may require emergency department (ED) visits to manage complications. This study’s purpose was to identify risk factors for ED […]
Standardized susceptibility testing for microbial biofilms in clinical practice
Treatment of biofilm-related infections is difficult, as sessile microorganisms show reduced antimicrobial susceptibility as a result of various resistance and tolerance mechanisms” Coenye et al (2018). Abstract: Biofilms are communities of microbial cells that are attached to each other and/or a surface, and are embedded in an extracellular matrix produced by the bacteria and/or derived […]
The brachiocephalic vein as an alternative to internal jugular vein cannulation
Brachiocephalic cannulation is a reasonable alternative to ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization” Beccaria et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although many studies have compared success and complication rates for central line insertion sites with and without ultrasound, few have examined the use of the brachiocephalic vein for central venous access. The aim of this study was […]
Disinfection of contaminated gloved hands reduces bacterial transmission of needleless valves
Since there is no data demonstrating that such practice attributes to lower bacterial transfer during clinical care, a standardised experimental study was conducted” Assadian et al (2018). Summary: Disinfection of gloved hands is increasingly advocated in situations where visibly not soiled gloves are used during multiple clinical activities on the same patient. Since there is […]
Delayed catheter removal for patients with central-venous-catheter-related Gram-negative bacteraemia
This study evaluated the impact of delayed central venous catheter (CVC) removal on clinical outcomes in patients with Gram-negative CRBSI” Lee et al (2018). Summary: Background: Gram-negative bacteria are increasingly the cause of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), and the prevalence of multi-drug-resistant strains is rising rapidly. This study evaluated the impact of delayed central venous […]
Chlorhexidine-coated PICC reduce fibroblastic sleeve formation
Among the three anti-thrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheter technologies, the chlorhexidine-peripherally inserted central catheter had the smallest fibroblastic sleeves…” Sylvia et al (2018). Abstract PURPOSE: This study compared an antimicrobial and anti-thrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheter treated with a chlorhexidine-based technology, a peripherally inserted central catheter with bulk distributed fluoro-oligomers, and a poly 2-methoxyethyl acrylate-based […]
Order of phlebotomy draw and impact on clinical biochemistry results
The order of draw of venous sampling is suspected to affect analytical results, in particular for coagulation analysis. Here we compare the procedures in venous blood sampling among clinical biochemistry departments to assess the uniformity of order of blood draw and adherence to international guidelines in the Danish health care system” Jacobsen et al (2018). […]
Management of right auricular thrombus related to central venous catheter
We report the case of a 38-year-old man, who developed an asymptomatic catheter-inducible right atrial thrombi requiring open heart surgery, after taking a central venous catheter for thirty-five days” Ribeiro et al (2018). Abstract: Central venous catheters are widely used in critically ill patients; however, they are also associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The […]
Bloodstream infection surveillance in Polish intensive care units
The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiology, microbiology and antibiotic therapy of nosocomial BSI in Polish ICU patients” Wałaszek et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSI) among patients in intensive care units (ICU) are the most common form of nosocomial infections and they are serious complications of the treatment process. […]
CLABSI rates among children with immune compromised conditions
This article describes changes in central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates among common causative organisms over an 11-year period on a pediatric inpatient unit prior to and following CLABSI reduction strategies” Linder et al (2018). Abstract: This article describes changes in central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates among common causative organisms over an 11-year period […]
Successful ultrasound placement of IVs by registered nurses in the emergency department
While the majority of research has focused on physician-performed US-PIVs, some studies have evaluated US-PIV insertion by emergency medical technicians and registered nurses (RNs), documenting successful US-PIV insertion rates of 87–97%” Huang et al (2018). Abstract: Ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral IV (US-PIV) placement is a well-established procedure in patients with difficult IV access [1,2]. Ultrasound has […]
IV crystalloid fluid for acute alcoholic intoxication prolongs ED length of stay
IVF for treatment of acute alcoholic intoxication prolonged ED length of stay even after adjustment for potential confounders. Patients given IVF for acute alcohol intoxication should be selected with care” Homma et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: Acute alcohol intoxication is often treated in emergency departments by intravenous crystalloid fluid (IVF), but it is not clear […]
Impact of 2015 NHSN Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) definition change on CLABSI rates
However, our rates remained unchanged in 2015 and further declined in 2016 with the implementation of new vascular-access guidelines” Advani et al (2018). Abstract: The 2015 changes in the catheter-associated urinary tract infection definition led to an increase in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-related candidemia in some health systems due to the change […]
Ethanol lock is effective on reducing the incidence of CLABSI
Our meta-analysis suggests that ethanol lock is effective on reducing the incidence of CRBSI in hemodialysis patients with tunneled central venous catheters” Zhao et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of ethanol lock on the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in patients with central venous catheters. […]
Thematic synthesis of patient experiences of central venous access devices in anti-cancer treatment
The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise existing research regarding patient experiences of these CVADs to help clinicians guide, prepare, and support patients receiving CVADs for the administration of anti-cancer treatment” Ryan et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Three types of central venous access devices (CVADs)-peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), skin-tunnelled central catheters (Hickman-type […]
CT-guided translumbar placement of permanent central venous catheters
CT-guided translumbar placement of permanent catheters is a technically feasible and safe method for permanent central venous access as last resort in chronically occluded veins of the upper extremities” Grözinger et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate indications, technical success rate and complications of CT-guided translumbar catheter placement in the inferior vena cava for long-term […]
Is the nurse a second victim after making an infusion-related error?
The article concludes with strategies to help nurses cope with the aftermath of making an infusion therapy-related medication error” Treiber and Jones (2018). Abstract: Infusion therapy-related adverse events can result in distress and professional suffering for the nurse involved with the event, with long-lasting consequences. This article discusses the second victim syndrome and its impacts […]
Chronic transfusion and primary treatment of iron overload
Deferasirox FCT allows greater convenience and may be associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects versus the original formulation. Dose adjustment increments, determined by titration monitoring, are lower for the FCT because of greater bioavailability” Tinsley and Hoehner-Cooper et al (2018). Abstract: Iron overload is a concern for patients who require chronic transfusions as a result […]
Evidence associated with routine versus clinically indicated short peripheral IV catheter replacement
A before-and-after design was used to evaluate the impact of SPC replacement when clinically indicated” Stevens et al (2018). Abstract: Despite current, high-quality, level 1 evidence that supports clinically indicated short peripheral catheter (SPC) replacement, the current practice in the health care system studied was to change SPCs routinely every 96 hours. A before-and-after design […]
Comparison of saline lock versus continuous infusion for short peripheral IV catheter patency
Although the saline-locked group had a slightly longer duration time, it was not statistically significant. Factors such as desire to ambulate or nighttime saline flushes merit consideration in SPC care decisions and standardized nurse-driven protocols” Roszell et al (2018). Abstract: Sparse evidence exists about how short peripheral catheter (SPC) duration is affected by the presence […]
Does hyperglycemia affect risk of PICC-related upper extremity venous thrombosis?
The time that a PICC was in place before PRUEVT was diagnosed was longer for diabetic patients, but the authors believe this result must be viewed with caution” Wilson et al (2018). Abstract: It is not clear whether blood glucose (BG) affects the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related upper extremity venous thrombosis (PRUEVT). […]
Push-pull protocol for waste-free sampling in the pediatric intensive care unit
Blood-sparing sampling techniques such as the push-pull method can significantly reduce sampling-related blood loss and protect patients from anemia and blood transfusions” McBride et al (2018). Abstract: Blood sampling is a major source of blood loss in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Blood-sparing sampling techniques such as the push-pull method can significantly reduce sampling-related […]
Syringe infusion pumps for the transfusion of packed red blood cells
Syringe infusion pumps (SIPs) led to major advances in infusion therapy and were gradually applied to the transfusion of packed red blood cells (RBCs), raising questions about possible cell damage” Gannam et al (2018). Abstract: Syringe infusion pumps (SIPs) led to major advances in infusion therapy and were gradually applied to the transfusion of packed […]
Improving IV site visibility and accomplishing IV complication reduction
This project aims to improve the visibility of the IV site using more adhesive transparent dressings to attain 90% compliance based on the frequent and proper inspection of the IV site and decrease the incidence of IV complications” Lim et al (2018). Abstract: Purpose: This project aims to improve the visibility of the IV site […]
Ethanol lock therapy treatment for biofilm-associated CLABSI
According to our in vitro data, an ethanol-based lock solution with 40% ethanol + 60 IU heparin administered daily for 72 hours is sufficient to almost eradicate the metabolic activity of bacterial and fungal biofilms” Alonso et al (2018). Summary: Ethanol-based lock therapy (LT) solutions are used as an alternative to antibiotics for the conservative […]
Assessing patient risk of central line-associated bacteremia via machine learning
Machine learning can be used to develop accurate models to predict the risk of CLABSI in real time prior to the development of infection” Beeler et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) contribute to increased morbidity, length of hospital stay, and cost. Despite progress in understanding the risk factors, there remains a […]
Is chlorhexidine required for needleless connector decontamination?
Unfortunately, intermittent reports from facilities have shown an increase in bloodstream infections (BSIs) thought to be associated with NC use” Flynn et al (2018). Abstract: Since the introduction in the early 1990s of a needleless connector (NC) on vascular access devices to minimize the risk of needle stick injuries to healthcare workers, their use is […]
Chlorhexidine-containing dressings in the prevention of CLABSI
Our study shows similar results in overall direct treatment costs, meaning that higher acquisition costs of chlorhexidine-containing dressings did not translate into higher costs. Expenses were primarily outweighed by a lower rate of probable/definite CRBSI and reduced associated costs” Heimann et al (2018). Reference: Background: A recent study reported a reduction in probable/definite central venous […]
Nanofiber catheter coatings for the prevention of microbial adhesion of biofilms
Surface associated microbial communities, known as biofilms, pose significant challenges in clinical and industrial settings” Ye et al (2018). Abstract: Surface associated microbial communities, known as biofilms, pose significant challenges in clinical and industrial settings. Micro/-nanoscale surface features have been shown to disrupt firm adhesion of planktonic microbes to surfaces, thereby interfering with the earliest […]
Ultrasound guided internal jugular vein cannulation in infants
A novel technique (modified short-axis out-of-plane [MSA-OOP]) to improve first pass success rate of ultrasound-guided IJV CVC in neonates and infants is being compared with conventional SA-OOP method” Rastogi et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Central venous cannulation (CVC) through right internal jugular vein (IJV) route is routinely performed in paediatric patients undergoing major […]