Rare variation of the hemiazygos vein draining into the persistent left superior vena cava

During an educational dissection of a 72-year-old Chinese male cadaver, the hemiazygos vein (HAV) coursing the left side that drains into the persistent left superior vena cava was observed” Liu et al (2019). Abstract: During an educational dissection of a 72-year-old Chinese male cadaver, the hemiazygos vein (HAV) coursing the left side that drains into […]
Tissue adhesives to secure peripheral intravenous catheters

In this study, we aimed to test that addition of tissue adhesive to the insertion site of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) in the emergency department (ED) would reduce the device failure rate at 6 h and 24 h following insertion” Özkula et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Peripheral venous catheterization is one of the most used medical procedures […]
Skin disinfection prior to central venous catheter insertion in preterm neonates

This study will inform the feasibility and design of the first randomised controlled trial to examine the safety and efficacy of alcohol-based versus aqueous-based chlorhexidine antiseptic formulations for skin disinfection prior to percutaneous central venous catheterisation in preterm neonates” Clarke et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Catheter-related sepsis is one of the most dangerous complications of […]
How to determine correct depth of central venous catheter insertion

This study aimed to determine a simple and practical method to predict the ideal CVC insertion depth after ultrasound-guided right internal jugular, or left or right supraclavicular puncture in pediatric patients” Yamamoto and Schindler (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several formulae or methods are reported to predict the ideal central venous catheter (CVC) insertion depth. However, they […]
Increased risk of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hemodialysis

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a high-risk infection and feared complication related to hemodialysis. This study aimed to investigate incidence and risk factors for SAB depending on hemodialysis access type” Chaudry et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a high-risk infection and feared complication related to hemodialysis. This study aimed to investigate […]
Infection prevention and control programmes in long-term care facilities

The purpose of this systematic review was to review and analyse the effectiveness and the components of IPC programmes in LTCFs for older adults” Lee et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings. There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of IPC programmes […]
Cost analysis of haemodialysis catheter related bloodstream infection

Catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) represent a complication that often requires hospitalization and the use of economic resources. In Italy, there is no literature that considers the costs of CRBSI for tunneled catheters (CVCt)” Mandolfo et al (2019). Abstract: Catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) represent a complication that often requires hospitalization and the use of […]
Immediate-term cognitive impairment following IV chemotherapy

This study utilized the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) and trail-making test B (TMT-B) to assess cognitive impairment immediately post-chemotherapy” Khan et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is commonly reported in patients receiving chemotherapy, but the acuity of onset is not known. This study utilized the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) and trail-making test B (TMT-B) […]
Risk factors for non-central line-associated bloodstream infection

This study was performed to investigate the clinical impacts and risk factors for N-CLABSI in intensive care unit (ICU) patients” Zhu et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most of the previous studies focused on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), while non-central line-associated bloodstream infection (N-CLABSI) was poorly studied. This study was performed to investigate the clinical […]
Impact of discontinuation of contact precautions on CLABSI rates

We investigated the impact of discontinuation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infected or colonized patients on central-line associated bloodstream infection rates” Godbout et al (2019). Abstract: We investigated the impact of discontinuation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infected or colonized patients on central-line associated bloodstream […]
The Angel catheter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism

The Angel Catheter device is a central venous catheter combined with an inferior vena cava filter inserted at the bedside for pulmonary embolism prevention. Our review examines the role of this device, safety, efficacy and the limitations it presents” Achaibar et al (2019). Abstract: Pulmonary embolism is common in critical care patients and carries significant […]
PICC placement using an ultrasound and electrocardiogram-guided system

To assess the cost-effectiveness of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placements using an ultrasound and electrocardiogram-guided system versus external measurements and confirmatory chest X-rays (CXRs)” Keller et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placements using an ultrasound and electrocardiogram-guided system versus external measurements and confirmatory chest X-rays […]
Ethanol lock therapy for CLABSI prevention

Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been reported as being effective in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)” Lopes et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been reported as being effective in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in tunneled (or long-term) central venous catheters (CVCs). To the best of our knowledge, no […]
Case study describes hemodialysis catheter-induced bradycardia

We describe a case of recurrent symptomatic intra-dialytic bradycardia due to abnormal positioning of CVC that resolved after the repositioning of the catheter” Sitaula et al (2019). Abstract: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is reported as leading cause of death in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Arrhythmias are proposed to be a major predisposing factor for SCD. […]
Effects of chloride content of IV crystalloid solutions in critically ill patients

Intravenous crystalloid solutions are administered commonly for critically ill patients. We performed this meta-analysis of randomized trials with trial sequential analysis (TSA) to evaluate effects of chloride content of intravenous crystalloid solutions on clinical outcomes among critically ill adult patients” Xue et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Intravenous crystalloid solutions are administered commonly for critically ill […]
Frequency of central vein stenosis in hemodialysis patients

Adverse effects of this type of dialysis access include central venous stenosis, for which the risk factors and consequences are incompletely understood” Adwaney et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Central venous catheters have traditionally provided access for urgent hemodialysis, but are also sometimes advocated as an option for older or more comorbid patients. Adverse […]
Impact of blood culture reduction on antibiotic use in pediatrics

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether antibiotic use in the PICU changed in association with a reduction in blood culture utilization” Sick-Samuels et al (2019) Abstract: Blood cultures are essential for the evaluation of sepsis. However, they may sometimes be obtained inappropriately, leading to high false-positive rates, largely due to contamination. As […]
Review of Leipzig protocol for intravenous insulin infusion in pediatric patients

Our protocol for IV insulin therapy proved to be appropriate for adequate glycemic control in pediatric patients with T1D during intercurrent illness and surgery” Thiele et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Continuous intravenous (IV) insulin infusion therapy minimizes blood glucose (BG) fluctuations and prevents metabolic deterioration in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during intercurrent […]
Safety of peripheral IV administration of 3% hypertonic saline and mannitol

The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of extravasation injury when HTS or mannitol was administered via peripheral i.v. line (PIV)” Mesghali et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hypertonic saline (HTS) and mannitol are frequently utilized in the emergency department (ED) to manage elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this […]
Association between neutropenia and early infection-related implantable port removal

To compare the incidence of early infection-related chest port removal in adults when placed in neutropenic versus nonneutropenic patient groups” Perez et al 92019). Abstract: Background: Patients who require long-term central venous access can present for port placement with depressed immune function as a result of their treatment or disease process. At present, there is […]
Risk factors for vancomycin nephrotoxicity

Although the risk factors for VCM nephrotoxicity have been evaluated, the time course of renal function during VCM treatment is unknown” Hirai et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Vancomycin (VCM) is used for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Although the risk factors for VCM nephrotoxicity have been evaluated, the time course of renal function during […]
Prevalence of peripheral IV catheters as HAI risk factor

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of health care–associated infections (HAI) in our university hospitals (UH) and to delineate the risk factors associated with HAI” Ayed et al (2019). Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of health care–associated infections (HAI) in our university hospitals (UH) […]
Intravenous medication administration and cerebral venous air embolism

A brain computed tomography (CT) showed multiple cerebral venous gas emboli. No potential causes were found apart from previous peripheral vein cannulation and intravenous medication administration” Costa Carneiro et al (2019). Abstract: Cerebral venous air embolism (CVAE) is an extremely rare phenomenon. Most reports of cerebral air embolism focus on the arterial territory, and consequently […]
Misplacement of tunneled central venous catheter into azygos vein

Central venous catheter (CVC) is commonly used to provide access for hemodialysis (HD) when arteriovenous access is not available. The misplacement of CVC into azygos vein (AV) is a rare but a potential serious complication” Li et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheter (CVC) is commonly used to provide access for hemodialysis (HD) when […]
Audit of propofol administration in the intensive care unit

In this cohort of patients, the bolus administration of propofol was frequently not documented, potentially placing some patients at risk of drug-related toxicity” McGain et al 92019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although propofol is widely used for sedation in intensive care units around Australia, evaluation of bedside nursing practices of the administration of propofol have been limited. […]
Radiographic appearance of central venous split-tip hemodialysis catheter

It is essential to be aware of the normal imaging appearances of these catheters as they may simulate pathological appearance due to the shape of their tips. This knowledge will help avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary medical interventions” Sarv and Simon (2019). Abstract: Long-term cuffed hemodialysis catheters are being increasingly used in the management of patients […]
AIUM practice parameter for the use of ultrasound to guide vascular access procedures

Ultrasound should be used to aid in central venous, peripheral venous, and arterial access procedures. When used appropriately by qualified personnel, there are no absolute contraindications to using ultrasound as a procedural adjunct for vascular guidance” No authors listed (2019). Extract: Ultrasound should be used to aid in central venous, peripheral venous, and arterial access […]
Safety of PICC placement in chemotherapy patients

Use of PICC for chemotherapy administration was associated with a low all-AEs rate. The basilic vein was the safer site, and valved systems had fewer AEs than open systems” Campagna et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are central venous catheters (CVCs) that are commonly used in onco-hematologic settings for chemotherapy administration. […]
Comparison of two different intraosseous access methods

We wanted to compare the use of a sternal and tibial/humeral intraosseous device in a physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service” Sørgjerd et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intravenous access in critically ill and injured patients can be difficult or impossible in the field. Intraosseous access is a well-established alternative to achieve access to a noncollapsible vascular […]
Is perioperative colloid infusion more effective than crystalloid?

We aimed to evaluate the effect of hydration, according to the type of fluid, on PONV as previous studies have reported inconsistent results” Kim et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adequate intravenous fluid replacement is recommended as an effective nonpharmacologic strategy for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), one of the most common and stressful complications […]